Nail structural alterations and zinc levels in the elderly: an observational cross-sectional study.

Most elderly subjects showed altered nail profiles affecting multiple digits with a predilection for toenails.

• 75.0% of subjects showed altered nail profiles in multiple digits
• 62.3% showed a predilection for toenails
• The first toenail was primarily affected
• 64 subjects aged ≥60 years were recruited from the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Clinic at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia

The most common dermoscopic features in altered nails were nail plate pigmentation, distal edge thickening, and surface changes.

• Nail plate pigmentation was observed in all 64 subjects (n=64)
• Distal edge thickening was found in 39 subjects
• Surface changes were present in 34 subjects
• Nail features were observed both clinically and via dermoscopy

Nail zinc concentration was not significantly associated with nail structural alterations in elderly subjects.

• The average nail zinc concentration was lower in elderly subjects with nail changes than in those without
• The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.687)
• Nail clippings weighing a total of 200 milligrams were collected from each subject for zinc concentration measurement
• Statistical significance level was set at 0.05

Subgroup analyses by comorbidities and medications showed no significant differences in nail zinc levels.

• Comorbidities analyzed included hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and dyslipidemia
• Medications analyzed included antihypertensives, antidiabetics, antidyslipidemic drugs, and anticonvulsants
• No statistically significant discrepancies in nail zinc levels were found across any of these subgroups
• Appropriate statistical tests were employed at a significance level of 0.05