Global nail dystrophy associated with human papillomavirus type 57 infection

Verrucae vulgares frequently induce nail dystrophy when infection of the na il matrix occurs. Classic periungual warts are easily recognized by the exp erienced physician. We report a very unusual presentation of human papillom avirus (HPV) infection of the nail matrix and nail bed involving all 20 nai ls in an otherwise immunocompetent patient. Viral typing by in situ hybridi zation revealed HPV type 57. To our knowledge, this is the first associatio n between dystrophy of all 20 nails and HPV infection. However, as the ease of HPV typing improves, a variety of previously unrecognized cutaneous les ions is likely to be associated with HPV infection.