03 November 2022

Anonychia

Anonychia is the absence of fingernails or toenails, an anomaly which may be the result of a congenital ectodermal defect, ichthyosis, severe infection, severe allergic contact dermatitis, self-inflicted trauma, Raynaud phenomenon, lichen planus, epidermolysis bullosa, or severe exfoliative diseases.
Photo via the IAF subreddit, where this was said to be a case of anonychia congenita.  I've always thought that humans would eventually evolve to eliminate toenails, which are vestigial appendages dating from the time when claws were useful.  I can think of no useful purpose for a toenail, and don't think humans will miss them.  Fingernails OTOH have a variety of uses.

1 comment:

  1. I don't know if you could describe it as 'useful', but it seems like toenails might provide some protection for the flesh and bone underneath? (Look how many qualifiers I put in that sentence. It's only because I think you're fantastic.)

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