From the Research
Macrolunula is most commonly associated with systemic conditions such as hyperthyroidism, ischemia, leprosy, and scleroderma, as evidenced by the most recent study 1. The most common systemic causes of macrolunula include:
- Hyperthyroidism, where excessive thyroid hormone production affects nail growth
- Ischemia, which disrupts normal nail formation due to reduced blood flow
- Leprosy, a chronic bacterial infection that can affect the nails
- Scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder that can alter nail matrix function Other systemic conditions associated with macrolunula include:
- Trauma to the nail unit, which can produce enlargement of the lunula 1
- Certain autoimmune disorders like lupus, which can alter nail matrix function
- Neoplasms such as superficial acral fibromyxoma, which can cause macrolunula 1
- Iatrogenic causes, such as the topical administration of hydrocortisone, which can induce macrolunula 1 When macrolunula is observed, it should prompt evaluation for these underlying conditions, as treating the primary systemic disease is the most effective approach to normalizing nail appearance. No specific treatment targets macrolunula directly; rather, management focuses on addressing the underlying systemic condition causing this nail manifestation. It is essential to note that the association between macrolunula and systemic conditions is based on the most recent and highest-quality study available 1, which provides the most reliable evidence for guiding clinical practice.