A simple solution for habit‐tic nail deformity.

This article focuses on the successful treatment of persistent habit-tic deformity, an onychodystrophy caused by habitual cuticle and nail-fold picking, primarily affecting the thumbnails. A 74-year-old man with a 60-year history of nail-picking was treated using a simple, cost-effective topical regimen combined with a behavioral "thumb tuck" method, which involved tucking the thumbs into the palms to prevent picking urges. The treatment included paraffin-based and betamethasone dipropionate ointments to deter picking by creating an unpleasant sensation. After 12 months, the patient showed complete resolution of nail deformities and maintained improvement at 20 months, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this combined approach without pharmacological or invasive interventions.