Nail tattooing: a novel and minimally invasive technique for enhancing drug penetration through the nail

Abstract

Onychomycosis, a prevalent fungal infection, and psoriasis, a chronic immune disorder affecting the nail plate, present therapeutic challenges due to the limited efficacy of current treatments, often leading to prolonged therapy and a high relapse rate. The highly cross-linked keratin network of the nail plate acts as a barrier, impeding effective drug delivery. This pioneering study explores a novel approach using a tattoo device to enhance drug penetration through the nail. Ciclopirox olamine and clobetasol lacquers were selected as the model formulations. Drug permeation tests conducted on non-treated, filed (mechanically abraded), and tattooed nails demonstrated significantly higher drug permeation in tattooed nails, suggesting the potential of this delivery method. Nail tattooing offers a simple method to enhance topical therapy, allowing treatment initiation in the clinic and continuation at home.