Catch Up on July’s Latest Case Report on Pincer Nail Relief
Pincer nail deformity isn’t just unsightly, it’s painful, persistent, and notoriously difficult to treat. While braces and surgery are often the go-to interventions, they don’t always deliver lasting results. This new July case report highlights a promising alternative: fractionated CO₂ (fCO₂) laser therapy.
This minimally invasive technique targets the nail matrix to reshape the nail plate and relieve tissue compression. In a standout case, a 78-year-old African American woman with Fitzpatrick skin type V and longstanding pincer nail deformity experienced clinical improvement following fCO₂ laser treatment. The case is notable not only for its success, but also for addressing a fingernail deformity—a less common presentation—while navigating the known challenges of treating skin of color, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring risk.
Why does this matter? Because laser-based treatments for nail deformities in richly pigmented skin remain underreported and underutilized—yet this case demonstrates they can be both safe and effective.
Is fCO₂ laser therapy part of your toolbox for nail disease? It might be time to revisit its potential—especially for your patients with skin of color.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(7): doi:10.36849/JDD.8783
