Antonia Pennitz, Galina Balakirski, Oliver Gahn-Schuster, Steffen Gass, Anna Giordano-Rosenbaum, Lutz Alexander Graumann, Peter Kalbe, Rainer Kübke, Severin Läuchli, Nicholas Moellhoff, Cornelia S L Müller, Alexander Nast, Tatjana Pfersich, Ralph von Kiedrowski, Miriam Zidane, Christoph R Löser
The newly developed S1 guideline "Management of the Ingrown Nail (Unguis incarnatus, Onychocryptosis) and the Pincer Nail (Unguis in turriculo, Pincer-Nail)" (AWMF Registry Number 013-106) provides, for the first time, structured, practice-oriented recommendations for two common nail disorders that have previously been managed heterogeneously across disciplines. The guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary expert group and is based on the available literature as well as empirical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of ingrown toenails and pincer nails. Its aim is to define diagnostic criteria, preventive measures, and therapeutic approaches. For ingrown nails, the guideline presents definitions, a clinical classification (grades I-III), and corresponding treatment recommendations. Conservative measures, podiatric interventions, and patient-centered prevention are emphasized, while surgical procedures - particularly minimally invasive techniques with partial matrix excision - are recommended for therapy-resistant or severe cases. For pincer nails, definitions, clinical morphology, and potential therapeutic options are described; due to limited data, individualized management is emphasized. The guideline aims to standardize care, reduce treatment variability, and promote a consistent, interdisciplinary approach.