The fingernails

Dimensions, morphology and aesthetic atlas

The nail has always been a topic of interest for physicians. In the 4th century BC, Hippocrates described the special appearance of the nails he had observed in empyesis (clubbing or Hippocratic nail).

We had to wait until 1927 for the Nail to receive the consideration it deserves with the masterpiece written by J. Heller. It was followed by the works of prestigious names such as F. Ronchese, N. Zaias, P. Samman, G. Achten and others at the end of the 20th century. They showed that the nail could be involved as an extension of numerous cutaneous diseases, as well as acting as a window allowing access to both systemic and local pathologies and conditions. Therefore, it is my privilege to heartily congratulate the authors of « The Fingernails » on their logically updated heritage of this physiological, medical and cosmetic skin appendage, The Nail.

Robert Baran

Pr. Hon. of the University of Franche-Comté

Nail Diseases Centre (Cannes)

Consultant Dermatologist Institute

Gustave Roussy (Villejuif)