Usually when he sees changes in his fingernails or toenails, his first instinct is to run to the pharmacy to buy antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different; In addition, non-fungal diseases of the fingernails or toenails sometimes act only as a symptom of other destructive processes in the body.
Causes of unhealthy nails
Normally, the nail should be smooth, not compacted and pink in color. If it changes color, shape, becomes brittle and fragile, the nail plate partially or completely moves away from the phalanx of the finger, this may indicate the presence of the following problems:
- improper care of fingernails and toenails;
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of infectious or parasitic diseases in the body;
- injuries;
- regular destructive effects of harmful substances;
- a congenital anomaly that can only manifest itself over time;
- diseases of organ systems: cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine;
- development of a low-quality tumor.
In addition, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they may become yellow and hard or brittle.
Descriptions of diseases.
Simultaneous diseases of the fingernails and toenails are quite rare; Normally the nails of the upper extremities are affected.
hippocrates nails
The extreme phalanges of the fingers thicken, the nails become convex and round. Hippocrates was the first to describe this phenomenon that affects the hands, hence its name. It is not an independent disease, but can appear as a symptom when:
- emphysema;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- prolonged endogenous intoxication;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- Cancer, especially in the lungs.
Sometimes hippocratic nails can be a hereditary or congenital pathology. In cancer, it develops rapidly over months or weeks; In other cases, the change process can take years.
scleronychia
Hypertrophic changes occur in both arms and legs. Nails harden, become transparent, acquire a yellowish-gray tint, and over time can separate from the nail bed. This is considered a manifestation of endocrine diseases, although the main causes of scleronychia are still unknown.
Onychogryphosis
Another name is "bird's claw. "It can develop as a result of frostbite or severe bruising.
The nail becomes dense and uneven, acquiring an unnatural color ranging from grayish-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, its free edge is folded, like that of a bird, or twisted into a spiral.
Treatment consists of softening the nail surface with a salicylic patch or ointment; In advanced cases, it can be scraped or surgically removed.
Onyhauxis
Excessive growth of the subungual cornea, which is accompanied by darkening of the nail and inflammation of the nail fold. It affects 1 or 2 fingers and, in rare advanced cases, can be seen in all fingers and toes. It usually manifests itself as a consequence of insufficient nutrition of the nail in diseases such as:
- diabetes;
- varicose veins;
- atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- elephant disease.
It can also be due to an injury or a poor quality manicure; sometimes onychochauxis warns of a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. For correction, medications are prescribed that dilute and activate blood circulation; in case of vitamin deficiency, the menu is enriched with essential nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomadesis
It sometimes accompanies fungal or bacterial diseases of the fingernails and toenails, often as a result of mechanical damage or regular nail biting (onychophagia). The nail bed becomes inflamed, the nail matrix itself darkens and soon completely detaches from the finger. This happens both from the free edge and from the inner edge, depending on the cause of the disease.
The treatment aims to improve blood circulation in the sore finger through massage, vitamins and medications. If onychomadesis is of infectious origin, the disease that caused it is treated accordingly. Additionally, they try to protect the exposed nail bed from fungi and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
Beau's transverse furrows (Beau-Reil lines)
They appear due to inhibition of the nail growth zone due to metabolic disorders, injuries or an unsuccessful manicure and quite often appear in children as a reaction to a viral infection. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be one or several, which makes the nail look wavy (see photo above).
The Bo line looks like an arc that extends along the entire surface of the nail, from one side of the roller to the other. Its depth can reach 1 mm and directly depends on the severity of the disease. In difficult cases, the groove can squeeze the nail so much that its free edge stops receiving sufficient nutrition, gradually atrophies and falls off the finger.
After eliminating the factor that caused the appearance of the Bo line, nail defects disappear on their own over time.
Longitudinal grooves
They are also called vertical. Possible reasons for its appearance:
- age-related changes;
- Diseases of the nervous system;
- psoriasis;
- spinal cord damage;
- drop;
- defects in the functioning of the intestines or pancreas;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- lichen planus;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- damage to the root of the nail plate;
- Lack of iron and vitamin B12.
After eliminating the cause, the nails return to their original appearance. During treatment or with age-related changes, to improve appearance, longitudinal grooves can be hidden under a layer of special varnish.
leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Its shape, quantity and location vary according to the different dysfunctions of the body. The appearance of spots on the nails indicates the presence of the following problems:
- protein deficiency;
- deficiency of vitamins (especially C, E, A) and microelements (calcium, zinc, iron);
- fungus;
- disorders of metabolic processes in the body;
- heavy load on the nervous system: stress, depression, anxiety;
- intestinal problems;
- frequent contact with household chemicals, low-quality varnishes;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- nephropathy;
- Skin diseases.
If there is no suspicion of disease, this defect can be corrected yourself. It will be enough to establish a schedule of rest and work, supplement the diet with foods with essential nutrients and use gloves when coming into contact with household chemicals.
onychodystrophy
Changes occur in the periungual fold, nail plate and bed. The nail becomes less transparent, its thickness changes and its growth slows down. It is also possible that longitudinal grooves appear and the color changes to grayish yellow. The causes of this nail disease can be:
- mycosis;
- injuries;
- skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus);
- avitaminosis;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine system;
- problems with the heart and lungs;
- interaction with alkalis, acids, chemicals with unprotected hands.
onycholysis
Refers to onychodystrophy. With onycholysis, a change in the color of the nail plate from yellow to brown is observed. The nail becomes brittle and partially or completely moves away from its bed. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- Skin diseases;
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- some chronic diseases.
ingrown toenail
This type of toenail disease occurs because the main causes are too tight shoes and improper trimming. The nail grows into the lateral pad, causing swelling of the finger, pain when walking, and inflammation of the soft tissues.
In mild cases, you can get by with foot baths and softening compresses; In advanced cases, only a surgeon can correct an ingrown toenail.
onychorrhexis
Brittleness and brittleness of the nails, which leads to their separation. It usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause alterations in microcirculation in the fingers. The cause may also be a strict diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment. Onychorrhexis is extremely rare in the legs.
anonychia
Lack of nail plate. It can be congenital or acquired after an injury, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature or some dermatoses.
Coilonychia
The nail becomes thinner and concave like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- inheritance;
- anemia;
- constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- some infections;
- incorrectly done manicure.
micronychia
Pathologically small and shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Micronychia also sometimes manifests itself as a symptom of diseases such as:
- progressive scleroderma;
- Trenaunay syndrome;
- flat angioma;
- Genuine epilepsy;
- hand malnutrition.
onychochisis
Transverse separation of the nail plate. It often occurs due to the aggressive influence of substances in household chemicals and nail decoration products. It often occurs in representatives of professions with increased mechanical stress on the fingers: musicians, printers. Onychochisis also appears with vitamin deficiency.
onychomycosis
Fungal nail diseases can be found most frequently on the feet and there are many varieties, so for more effective treatment it is best to consult a dermatologist.
The fungus can be contracted anywhere, but requires a warm, moist, dark environment to thrive, so it primarily affects the feet. The disease takes a long time to develop, the first symptoms may appear only after several months.
First, the infected area becomes itchy, the skin begins to dry and peel. In addition, the nail itself is affected, its color changes, cracks appear on the surface, and a putrid smell appears. If left untreated, over time the mycosis will spread throughout the body and cause various types of complications.
Gapalonychia
The nail plates soften, break and split. It occurs due to diseases of the endocrine system, metabolic disorders in the body and regular exposure to aggressive chemicals.
platonychia
The surface of the nail is completely flat (see photo). It can be congenital or acquired as a consequence of professional activity. Additionally, some chronic inflammatory processes can cause this defect.
Prevention
The following list of simple rules will help you prevent many possible diseases of the toenails and fingers.
- You can't bite your nails.
- File your nails with a glass or cardboard file.
- The manicure should be performed with steamed hands, this reduces the risk of microtrauma and, as a result, wound infection.
- If you use the services of a salon to care for your nails, make sure the technician disinfects the tools before using them.
- Dry your hands and feet.
- Your diet should include enough foods that contain vitamins and minerals.
And most importantly, do not be too lazy to contact doctors and undergo additional examinations by specialists. The earlier the disease is detected, the better the chances of defeating it.