Nail biopsy is a safe and useful technique for diagnosis and management of
many nail conditions. A basic understanding of nail anatomy and biology is
a prerequisite for a successful nail biopsy. The patient must be adequately
prepared and there needs to be excellent anesthesia and hemostasis. The ty
pe of nail biopsy depends largely on the location of the pathology in the n
ail unit. The techniques of nail biopsy by location in the nail unit and by
lesion type are discussed.