[Normal proximal nail fold structure (author's transl)].
Normal structure of nail fold capillaries as observed by capillaroscopy and fluoroscopy is recalled. A procedure of proximal nail fold biopsy is described. The technique is simple without disadvantage for patients. Tissue from the proximal nail fold is studied in three different ways: light microscopy with histochemistry, electron microscopy and direct immunofluorescence. In the two normal cases studied, usual epidermal and dermal components are found. Some particular point may be emphasized: sweat's droplets draining of distal part of proximal nail fold, numerous and large nervous structures, capillaries basal lamina multiplication.