Pincer Nail Deformity in an African American Patient Corrected by Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser

Pincer nail deformity is a painful nail condition characterized by excessive transverse curvature of the nail plate that pinches the sur-rounding tissue. Treatments such as nail braces and surgical interventions are commonly used; however, these approaches often fall short of providing consistent, long-term relief. Fractionated carbon dioxide laser therapy (fCO₂), which precisely targets the nail matrix, has emerged as a less invasive option to correct nail deformities. Treating patients with skin of color poses several challenges due to the higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and scarring. Herein, we describe a case of a 78-year-old African American woman (Fitzpatrick V) with long-standing pincer nail deformity treated with fCO₂ laser therapy, with nail defect improvement. This case underscores fCO₂ laser therapy as an effective option for pincer nail deformity in skin of color, particularly notable due to its rare occurrence in the fingernails.