Mottled Nails. An Early Sign of Fluorosis

Abstract

Signs and symptoms attributed to a disturbed function of the parathyroid glands as a result of the protracted action of small quantities of fluorine have been described elsewhere (Spira, 1942c). It was shown that the lesions on the teeth known as ‘mottled enamel’ were frequently accompanied by lesions on the skin and its appendages, the nails and hair. The object of the present communication is to give some details of the changes produced in the finger- and toe-nails in chronic fluorine poisoning (fluorosis).