Understanding the formidable nail barrier: A review of the nail microstructure, composition and diseases

作者：Sudhir M. Baswan, Gerald B. Kasting, S. Kevin Li, Randy Wickett, Brian B. Adams, Sean Eurich, Ryan Schamper · 发表于：Mycoses · 年份：2017 · DOI：10.1111/myc.12592 · 被引用次数：128 · 研究领域：Nail Diseases and Treatments、Fungal Infections and Studies、Contact Dermatitis and Allergies

The topical treatment of nail fungal infections has been a focal point of nail research in the past few decades as it offers a much safer and focused alternative to conventional oral therapy. Although the current focus remains on exploring the ways of enhancing permeation through the formidable nail barrier, the understanding of the nail microstructure and composition is far from complete. This article reviews our current understanding of the nail microstructure, composition and diseases. A few of the parameters affecting the nail permeability and potential causes of the recurrence of fungal nail infection are also discussed.