Published 04/11/2026
Keywords
- Onychomadesis,
- Hand,
- Foot and Mouth Disease,
- Nail Diseases,
- Viral Diseases
Copyright (c) 2026 Inês Mesquita Caetano, Diana Pereira Fernandes, Mariana Santos, Carolina Pereira, Cristina Pereira

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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Abstract
Onychomadesis consists of proximal separation of the nail plate from the nail matrix, usually spontaneous and painless, with subsequent nail regrowth, and may affect fingernails or toenails. It has multiple etiologies, and involvement of several nails suggests a systemic cause. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection prevalent in childhood, characterized by maculopapular and vesicular lesions of the hands, feet, and oral mucosa. Nail changes represent relatively frequent late complications, typically occurring four to six weeks after disease onset. Recognition of this benign condition is essential to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, highlighting the importance of careful history taking.
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References
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