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Health

Have You Seen the Woman With the Mysterious Illness Growing Human Nails Instead of Hair? ‘It’s a Nightmare’

Aug. 10, 2012 12:06pm Liz Klimas

In 2009, an allergic reaction to medication treating an asthma attack left Shanyna Isom with an uncontrollable itch that eventually developed into hard bumps all over her body. It took two years before doctors finally figured out what was happening to her: instead of growing hair, she was growing nails — like those on fingers — in the follicles’ place.

Shanyna Isom Thought to Be the Only Person in the World to Suffer Condition Where Human Nails Grow Instead of Hair

Shanyna Isom on a trip to the dermatologists at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. She appears to wear a wig often when she is in public. (Photo: Facebook)

As of July 31, 2012, Isom wrote on her Facebook page that it had been a full year since she had lost all of her hair to the mysterious illness.

Doctors are still trying to determine how exactly to cure Isom, who is thought to be the only person in the world with this condition. WMCTV reports that the 28-year-old Memphis woman has to be helped by friends and family to simply rise from her bed and perform other daily activities:

“As of right now, I am the only one in the world with my illness,” Isom said.

While Johns Hopkins researchers work to cure her, loved ones rally around her.

“We know that God is a healer and he’s going to bring her through,” Carrie Isom, Shanyna’s Grandmother said.

“At this point I just do everything I can to get the help that’s needed for her,” said Shanyna’s friend Tolungia Webb.

“I love her and I know that she’s gonna get better,” friend Karintha Rawls said.

It was in 2011 when Isom was accepted into Johns Hopkins University that doctors were finally able to diagnose just what was going on with her body. They found out her hair follicles were producing 12 times the number of cells than they should have been, causing develop human nails to develop instead of hair.

(Photo: Facebook)

“Where hair grows, nails are growing,” Isom said according to WMCTV.

“It’s almost as if it’s a nightmare and you’re trying to wake up out of that,” a woman speaking about Isom said in the report.

Watch the report:

Action News 5 – Memphis, Tennessee

Doctors have gotten her symptoms under control but they still are working to cure her. She currently takes 17 medications, only five of which are covered by her state-issued insurance. Out-of-state care is not covered by insurance either. Due to these factors, she has about $250,000 in medical costs). On August 24, the S.A.I. Foundation created to help raise funds to cover these costs will host a fundraiser in Memphis. Someday, Isom hopes her foundation will also be able to help others suffering an unknown illness.

(H/T: Gawker)

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Comments (116)

DevotedDad
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:12pm
Keep taking those vaccines and eating genetically modified food and this is your future…

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JACKTHETOAD
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:07pm
It looks inside-out ebola to me….uh oh…

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watersRpeople
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:22pm
Maybe the government should have been more careful about whose life it was prying into – because that’s my land. More careful about how it spied on me through microwaves, and refrigerators, and televisions, and my computer. Maybe you don’t understand how God works in mysterious ways.
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justasurvivor
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:05pm
I pray she is healed. And I pray that doctors discover wonders from this situation that will also help mankind.

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- FoxholeAtheist
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:49pm
  Sure, because that always works.
  
  Report this comment
- SpeckChaser
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 7:43pm
  Foxhole
  
  Romans 9:18
  
  Report this comment
- skippy6
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 9:09pm
  @foxhole…. Really!!!!! It’s okay with me that you are an Atheist….But at least you could have sympathy for this woman, instead of belittling others……positive thought can work wonders…….
  
  Report this comment
- Copo
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 2:47pm
  Foxhole: about a year and a half ago the son of my mom’s coworker was on his death bed and only had days to live, we prayed day and night for him. The doctors said there was nothing they could do, but we still prayed. within 3 months he recovered amazingly, and 6 months later he was fully healed.
  
  Report this comment
pap pap
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:04pm
We all have our crosses to bear but that one is ridiculous. My God be with her.

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- FoxholeAtheist
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:51pm
  Praise Jebus. After all, nothing happens on this earth without his say so, right?
  
  Report this comment
- Quiata
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 8:46pm
  FOXHOLE I guess there aren’t any rules in atheism about NOT being a massive jerk, huh?
  
  Report this comment
- DontCompromiseMorals
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 7:32am
  Foxhole….you must be so bored and have nothing to do. I would think if you had even a Scrooge heart, you would have a little sympathy for this woman instead of turning this into a religious battle.
  
  Report this comment
docfix
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:56pm
Anyone making fun of this poor woman has no SOUL. You should give up your rights to be included in the human race. Nail clipper jokes??? Are you serious people. She deserves our empathy and LOVE, not your scorn or humiliation through childish jokes.

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- DGuy
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 10:02am
  She is from Memphrica… LOL!
  
  Report this comment
THX-1138
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:46pm
Every tradgedy, every enemie, every failure is a blessing, there to teach us compassion, faith and ultimately, strength.

The only thing really up to us is how we respond to the universe. And what we learn from it.

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- Walkabout
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:51pm
  Makes more sense than what Waterspeople said.
  
  Report this comment
- THX-1138
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:57pm
  Grouch Marx makes more sense than WatersPeople.
  
  e.g.
  
  “Well, art is art, isn’t it? Still, on the other hand, water is water. And east is east and west is west and if you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does. Now… you tell me what you know.”
  - Grouch Marx, Animal Crackers, 1930
  
  Report this comment
- THX-1138
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:59pm
  Argh, GrouchO Marx… Geez…
  
  Report this comment
- scruffycat
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:46pm
  wc fields: “Water? Never touch the stuff. Fish fart in it you know…”
  
  Report this comment
- crackerone
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:57pm
  Waterspout has been acting stupidly.
  
  Report this comment
- chips1
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 9:11pm
  Don’t forget the famous quote from Harpo Marx, ” “!!!!!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
uptickusa
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:45pm
Seems like an Immunology disease when your system attacks you rather then protect you.Extensive tests to determine allergic catalyst which triggers this reaction should be done.-A timetable of consumption internally and environmental contacts prior to initial attack should be investigated as well as DNA marker tests to see abnormalities if any would prompt these reactions.
Cases like these Orphan diseases require a different approach to focus in on cause and effect.-GOD bless you during this ordeal…

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- hayesstephen
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:57pm
  Oh blow it out your barracks bag. Do you really think for one minute that John Hopkins hasn’t done all this and much more. Your just showing your ass. Now go away and do something without expecting everyone to oh aooo wow gosh your wonderful!!!
  
  Report this comment
- Stu D. Baker-Hawk
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:13pm
  @Hayesstephen: You really should get out of your mother’s basement and go find yourself a good job, a nice girl, get married, and be a productive human being instead of the self-centered, angry imbecile you portray yourself to be. Jeez!
  
  Report this comment
calmandclear
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:43pm
Some of the comments on here are truly disgusting. People who think this is a joking matter are simply revealing their level of maturity. Your comments are not funny! They’re cruel, hateful and stupid. Grow up, everything is not a joke for your amusement.

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julie w
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:43pm
I agree in prayer with all who are praying for this woman. I can’t imagine what this would be like. Just imagine – instead of **** growing on your head, it’s nails! Instead of **** stubble growing on your legs, it’s nails! May God grant wisdom to the doctors (and anyone with healthier alternative ways), her and her family and friends so that she may find her way through this and find a cure.

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- watersRpeople
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:45pm
  Praying for her isn’t going to help, but praying for yourself might help.
  
  Report this comment
watersRpeople
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:38pm
At this juncture it isn’t a good idea to seek medical attention – because I told you [God took his bow out of the clouds.]

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- hayesstephen
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:05pm
  Every once is a while some like you just really p*ss’es my off. You are a heartless punk. When your turn comes I hope you remember all the hurt you passed along. Enjoy you monster, you’ve earned all that is coming your way.
  
  Report this comment
- MeteoricLimbo
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:13pm
  @watersRpeople
  
  I am sure your mother loves you, God bless you in your endeavors of life.
  
  Report this comment
- iampraying4u
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:19pm
  Take your meds tim
  
  Report this comment
- StepUpSpeakOut
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:25pm
  @ Waterspeople
  What in-the-world are you smoking? The thoughts coming out of your head that you form into words make absolutely NO SENSE. There was a time when folks like you were kept locked up to protect society. Your brain is completely fried.
  
  Report this comment
watersRpeople
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:33pm
You people didn’t learn one damn thing from the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

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- justangry
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:46pm
  I’ll keep that in my, Reverend.
  
  Report this comment
- hayesstephen
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:11pm
  Pray tell what did you learn? I’m truly interested, yes I am. A monsters view of the death of Yeshua. Can’t wait to see what you post.
  
  Report this comment
deeberj
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:29pm
COGOD – I used to tell my first husband that when he used to make fun of all sorts of people. He never got one of their illnesses.

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watersRpeople
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:28pm
Maybe at this juncture it isn’t a good idea to seek medical attention lest you tell God you love the earth too much.

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- watersRpeople
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:43pm
  If you have the earth, then you don’t have the Father.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:49pm
  If God tells you to be fruitful & multiply (Genesis 1:28), it means to just that. One could surmise from that one is not commit suicide & to life as health of life as possible (that precludes premature death or disease). We are to live healthy, productive lives while a the same time worshiping God. Nowhere in there does it say not to have fun along the way or to spend 24/7 on one’s knees saying Hosanna.
  
  If you are for real seek help in interpretation form a pastor & counseling form a psychiatrist. if you are troll seek counseling from a psychiatrist & consider reading something other than what you read.
  
  Report this comment
- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:14pm
  Earth is Our Mother. You can have both, you just need the right balance. The scales are tipped in The Father’s favor. People tend to forget that.
  
  Report this comment
- OlderCowGirl
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 6:08pm
  To all sensible folks on these Blaze blogs…(that would not be you Watersrpeople)
  Let’s not respond to Watersrpeople, at all. We’re just giving this small-brained person a platform from which to prattle about nothing. We should never reply to this foolishness.
  
  Report this comment
- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 8:44am
  Jest wait till you git lassooed COWGIRL. YEE_HAW!
  
  Report this comment
- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 8:48am
  btw…ever listen to Stray Dog? “Snuffy’ Walden RULES! There’s some Texas swing I could snuggle right on up to.
  
  Report this comment
- Copo
  Posted on August 11, 2012 at 2:51pm
  @jackthetoad The earth is a rock floating in space, not a living being, it is not our mother. The earth is like us, part of creation.
  
  Report this comment
Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:28pm
God, bless this woman with a cure. I sure hope it isn’t contagious. If it started with steroids, then it has to be related.

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aragona
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:23pm
Yes, this is really horrible. I feel very sorry for her. I, personally, don’t think this is a joking matter. Imagine this was you or a member of your family? It’s also not a political issue. The attempts at jokes fall seriously flat. Have some basic human compassion.

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OneTermPresident
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:23pm
What an ordeal to be confronted with… I pray they find a cure and that enough donations come in to help with the bills.

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CoGod
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:21pm
You are sick. Perhaps you may get what you make fun of.

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The highlander
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:20pm
Please pray for her. Not only must this be very painful but very humiliating . I pray that the Doctors will rapidly find a cure.

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watersRpeople
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:19pm
Weird. It’s almost as if that Great Dragon is getting drawn up, and all it’s rivers are sticking to it’s scales. Maybe it’s not a good idea for people to seek medical attention, because they love the earth too much. Of course if you didn’t love doctors so much, father’s would deliver their own babies – and they would be like gods to their children. Remember God isn’t nice, but God is good.
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- LIBSALWAYSLIE
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:19pm
  WATERS, are you that empty inside? Are you really that low? Are you really that cold? Why not try some compassion? You effing liberals have no class
  
  Report this comment
- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:06pm
  If people don’t confess to and be forgiven by Jesus Christ soon, well, er, umm, just leave it up to what’ll be LEFT of your imaginations.
  
  Report this comment
- SkyDiamond
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 2:36pm
  I didn’t want to respond, but decided for the wellness of others who decide to read.
  It appears that WatersPeople may be opposed to taking medication for health. So be it, your choice. But be warned, not to judge others. God will take care of that for certain, and
  thankfully God loves us enough to have created the Heavens & Earth.
  He loves us enough to bring forth his creation of Human Life on this Earth.
  and I will continue to love this Earth and the People who he created, in his likeness.
  
  I am not sure what WatersPeople has learned or not learned about DNA and
  The Genetic Recipe for the Human Body, which God created in his image. We should be grateful for medical specialists who want to keep us well. Moses was the first to warn his people not to eat certain species of animal, because they could make people sick, because of what the animals ate was unclean. Also, due to medicine we know that some people have normal DNA and some carry multiple copies, of up to several genes, while others are missing huge chunks of DNA.
  
  We have millions of nucleotides, which is more or less DNA than others. Nucleotides are the molecular building blocks of DNA and genes, which form the basis of heredity. Otherwise, created by God.
  
  Report this comment
- MOLLYPITCHER
  Posted on August 12, 2012 at 5:01pm
  @ waters people
  So was she supposed to suffocate due to an asthma attack? God gave people the ability to treat others. Unfortunately this didn’t turn out so good. I’m not one to run to the doctor,but they do have their place.
  
  Report this comment
The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:15pm
Poor kid…prayers going out for a speedy cure and a happy ending.

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Kupo
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:15pm
omg that’s horrible….

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hi
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:15pm
They should just get rid of every **** follicle instead of giving her tons of meds with side effects. Women do that all the time for underarm **** and whatnot.

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- deeberj
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:28pm
  Great idea if it would work.
  
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- hayesstephen
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:09pm
  Gee you should travel to Johns Hopkins Hospital!! What a brilliant idea. I bet they will give you a job or possibly lock you up for being to insane to be allowed to walk around free.
  
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Delores at CH WV
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:14pm
Yes, I will pray for you. I doubt that anyone can help but Jesus Christ.

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Cleats4Feets
Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:14pm
Imagine giving her a Manacure!
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- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:09pm
  Not only do you need a MANURECURE,, but you’re a damned good speller.
  
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- hayesstephen
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:15pm
  White Liberal Trash never fails to disappoint. Nasty heartless monster, your are disgusting.
  
  Report this comment
- LIBSALWAYSLIE
  Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:21pm
  CLEATS, What a cold hearted, low class thing to say. You are disgusting.
  
  Report this comment

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