If you notice changes in your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is usually to go to the pharmacy for an antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different; In addition, non-fungal diseases of the fingernails or toenails sometimes only act as a symptom of other destructive processes in the body.
Causes of unhealthy nails
Normally the nail should be smooth, not compacted and pink. If the color and shape change, become brittle and brittle, the nail plate partially or completely moves away from the finger phalanx, this may indicate 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 pollutants;
- a congenital anomaly that may only manifest itself over time;
- Diseases of organ systems - cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine diseases;
- Development of a low-grade tumor.
In addition, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they may turn yellow and become hard or brittle.
Descriptions of diseases
Simultaneous diseases of the fingernails and toenails are quite rare; the nails of the upper extremities are usually affected.
Hippocrates nails
The outermost phalanges of the fingers thicken and the nails become convex and round. Hippocrates was the first to describe this phenomenon of the hands, which is why it got its name. It is not a disease in itself but can occur as a symptom when:
- emphysema;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- long-term endogenous poisoning;
- Disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- Cancer, especially in the lungs.
Sometimes Hippocratic nails can be a hereditary or congenital pathology. In cancer it develops quickly over months or weeks, in other cases the process of change can take years.
Scleronychia
Hypertrophic changes occur on both arms and legs. Nails harden, become transparent, take on a yellowish-gray hue and can separate from the nail bed over time. This is considered a manifestation of endocrine diseases, although the main causes of scleronychia are not yet known.
Onychogryphosis
Another name is "bird's claw". It can occur as a result of frostbite or severe bruising.
The nail becomes dense and uneven and takes on an unnatural color from gray-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, its free edge is bent like a bird or twisted in a spiral.
Treatment consists of softening the nail surface with a salicylic patch or salicylic ointment; in advanced cases, the nail may be scraped or surgically removed.
Onyhaux
Overgrowth of the subungual callus, which is accompanied by darkening of the nail and inflammation of the nail fold. It affects 1-2 fingers; in rare advanced cases it can be seen on all fingers and toes. It usually manifests itself as a result of inadequate nutrition of the nail in diseases such as:
- diabetes mellitus;
- varicose veins;
- atherosclerosis of the blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- Elephant disease.
It can also be caused by an injury or poor manicure; sometimes onychauxis 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
Sometimes accompanied by fungal or bacterial diseases of the fingernails and toenails, often due to mechanical damage or regular nail biting (onychophagia). The nail bed becomes inflamed, the nail matrix itself darkens and after a short time completely separates from the finger. Depending on the cause of the disease, this happens from both the free and inner edge.
Treatment is aimed at improving blood circulation in the painful finger through massage, vitamins and medication. If onychomadesis is of infectious origin, the disease that caused it is treated accordingly. In addition, they try to protect the exposed nail bed from fungi and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
Transverse Furrows of Beau (Lines of Beau-Reil)
They occur due to inhibition of the growth zone of the nail due to metabolic disorders, injury or unsuccessful manicure and often occur in children in response to a viral infection. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be one or more of them, which makes the nail look wavy (see photo above).
Bo's line looks like an arc that extends from one side roll to the other over the entire surface of the nail. Its depth can reach 1 mm and directly depends on the severity of the disease. In difficult cases, the groove can contract the nail so much that its free edge is no longer adequately supplied with nutrients, gradually atrophies and separates from the finger.
After eliminating the factor that provoked the appearance of the Bos line, the defects on the nails disappear on their own over time.
Longitudinal furrows
They are also called vertical. Possible reasons for their appearance:
- age-related changes;
- Diseases of the nervous system;
- Psoriasis;
- damage to the spinal cord;
- Gout;
- Intestinal or pancreatic dysfunction;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- lichen planus;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- damage to the root of the nail plate;
- Lack of iron and vitamin B12.
After the cause has been eliminated, the nails themselves return to their original appearance. During treatment or in the event of age-related changes, longitudinal furrows can be hidden under a special layer of varnish to improve the appearance.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Their shape, quantity and location vary depending on the dysfunction of the body. The appearance of spots on the nails indicates the following problems:
- protein deficiency;
- Lack of vitamins (especially C, E, A) and microelements (calcium, zinc, iron);
- Mushroom;
- Disturbances of metabolic processes in the body;
- strong strain on the nervous system: stress, depression, anxiety;
- intestinal problems;
- frequent contact with household chemicals, low-quality varnishes;
- Disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- kidney disease;
- Skin diseases.
If there is no suspicion of illness, this defect can be corrected independently. It is enough to establish a rest and work schedule, supplement the diet with foods containing essential nutrients and wear gloves when in contact with household chemicals.
Onychodystrophy
There are changes in the periungual fold, nail plate and nail bed. The nail becomes less transparent, its thickness changes and growth slows down. It is also possible that longitudinal furrows appear and the color changes to gray-yellow. The causes of this fingernail disease can be:
- mycoses;
- injuries;
- Skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus);
- avitaminosis;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine system;
- problems with heart and lungs;
- Interaction with alkalis, acids, chemicals with unprotected hands.
Onycholysis
Refers to onychodystrophy. With onycholysis, a color change of the nail plate from yellow to brown is observed. The nail becomes brittle and separates partially or completely from its nail bed. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases;
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- some chronic diseases.
Ingrown nail
This type of toenail disease occurs because the main causes are tight shoes and improper trimming. The nail grows into the side pad, causing swelling of the finger, pain when walking, and inflammation of the soft tissues.
In mild cases, foot baths and softening compresses can be used; in advanced cases, only a surgeon can correct an ingrown toenail.
Onychorrhexis
Brittleness and brittleness of nails, leading to their detachment. Usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause impaired microcirculation in the fingers. A strict diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment can also be the cause. Onychorrhexis is extremely rare in the legs.
Anonychia
Missing nail plate. It can be either congenital or acquired after an injury, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature or some dermatoses.
Koilonychia
The nail becomes thinner and concave like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- heredity;
- Anemia;
- constant destructive effects of acetone or household chemicals;
- some infections;
- incorrectly performed manicure.
Micronychia
Pathologically small, shortened nails. It can be congenital or caused by nail biting. Micronychia sometimes manifests itself as a symptom of diseases such as:
- progressive scleroderma;
- Trenaunay syndrome;
- flat angioma;
- True epilepsy;
- Hand malnutrition.
Onychoschisis
Transverse separation of the nail plate. It often arises from the aggressive influence of substances in household chemicals and decorative nail products. It often occurs in representatives of professions with increased mechanical stress on the fingers: musicians, printers. Onychoschisis also occurs with vitamin deficiency.
Onychomycosis
Fungal nail diseases most commonly occur on the feet and there are many types. Therefore, for more effective treatment, it is better to consult a dermatologist.
You can get the fungus anywhere, but it needs a warm, moist and dark environment to thrive, which is why it primarily affects the feet. The disease takes a long time to develop; the first symptoms may appear only after several months.
Initially, itching is felt in the infected area, the skin begins to dry out and peel. Next, the nail itself is affected, its color changes, cracks appear on the surface and a putrid smell appears. If left untreated, mycosis spreads throughout the body over time and causes various complications.
Gapalonychia
The nail plates become soft, break and split. It arises 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 through professional activity. Some chronic inflammatory processes can also cause this defect.
prevention
The following list of simple rules will help you prevent many possible diseases of the toenails and fingernails.
- You can't bite your nails.
- File your nails with a glass or cardboard arrow.
- Manicure should be performed on steamed hands, as 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 use.
- Dry your hands and feet.
- Your diet should contain enough foods that contain vitamins and minerals.
And most importantly: do not be lazy to contact doctors and undergo additional examinations by specialists. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of defeating it.