There is a procedure for Nair(and like substances) treatment of nails in the last
Luna Histopathologic technics book.  The nails are soaked before processing
similar to demineralization procedure.  Sharon Osborn

Kimcatk@aol.com wrote:

> Hello,
>      I have soaked the exposed block face in Nair (or similar depilatory
> products) for about 5-10 minutes, rinsed it off, and had better microtome
> cutting results.  Sometimes diluted ammonia water is helpful too for nail or
> cornea.
>      Section adhesion is improved when using charged or adhesive coated
> slides, which are readily available commercially.  Good luck with your nail
> sections!
>
> Best regards,
> Kim Atkin - HT (ASCP)
>
> Date: 29 Apr 2001 14:16:30 -0500
> From: Cgs001@aol.com
> Subject: toenails
>
> This may be a subject that has been covered before, but supposedly there is a
> new way to check for toenail fungus other than culture...PAS stain....the
> problem is getting a section well cut that will adhere to the slide. I have
> heard about using NAIR hair remover to dekeratinize the nail..but am not sure
> about the procedure...thanks.