Sporadic congenital leukonychia totalis. Two cases.

Abstract

Leukonykia totalis is a persistent discoloration of the nail lamina, that loses its normal pink color and turns white, so that lunula is no longer visible. Leukonykia can be due to very numerous causes. Anyway, the latter affect in most cases the matrix, altering its keratinization with consequent loss of transparence. This is responsible for reflecting all the radiations of the visible spectrum with consequent white discoloration of the nail lamina. Some forms of congenital leukonykia totalis belong to complex syndromes, that can be associated with other cutaneous and adnexal manifestations or with extracutaneous disorders, whereas others are seemingly isolated. Here are reported two sporadic, childhood cases of congenital leukonykia totalis, the first one associated with deafness and vitiligo, the second one seemingly isolated.