Pilot Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Nail Gel Containing Artemisia abrotanum Extract and Glycerin in the Treatment of Nail Plate Surface Abnormality

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a nail gel containing glycerol and Artemisia abrotanum extract in treating nail plate surface abnormalities. Methods: The nail gel was painted over the total nail surface of selected nails twice daily. All the nails were evaluated at the proximal and central parts using the Visiometer® system and according to transonychial water loss (TOWL) at baseline, and at the 2nd and 8th weeks of treatment. Results: In total, 19 patients with a mean age of 50.6 years old were enrolled on the study, with 50 nails studied. Sixty percent of the patients showed significant clinical improvement, as determined by the total agreement between two treatment-blinded dermatologists. Regarding the visiometer system, a significant reduction in the SER value (roughness) of the nail plates was found at the 2nd week, while at the 8th week, the surface and volume values were found to be significantly decreased from baseline and also from the values at the 2nd week. There was a significant improvement in the Rku (smoothness) value at the 8th week compared to baseline. The mean TOWL at both the 2nd and 8th weeks were statistically decreased from baseline. No side effects were detected. Conclusion: This nail gel containing glycerol and Artemisia abrotanum extract provided benefits in terms of improvements in the nail surface texture and water retention in patients with nail surface abnormalities.