Usually, when you see changes in your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is to run to the drugstore to get some antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different, moreover, non-fungal diseases of nails 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 compressed and pink. If it changes color, shape, becomes brittle and fragile, the nail plate partially or completely separates 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;
- presence of infectious or parasitic diseases in the body;
- injuries;
- regular destructive effect of harmful substances;
- Congenital anomaly that can only be revealed over time;
- Diseases of organ systems - cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine;
- The development of a low-grade tumor.
In addition, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they can turn yellow and become hard or brittle.
Description of diseases
Simultaneous diseases of fingernails and toenails are quite rare, as a rule, the nails of the upper extremities are affected.
Hippocrates nails
The extreme phalanges of the fingers become thicker, the nails become convex and round. Hippocrates was the first to describe this phenomenon affecting the hands, which is why it got its name. It is not an independent disease, but can appear as a symptom when:
- emphysema;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- long-term endogenous intoxication;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- Cancer, especially in the lungs.
Sometimes Hippocrates nails can be a hereditary or congenital pathology. In cancer, it develops rapidly over months or weeks; In other cases, the process of change can take years.
Scleronychia
Hypertrophic changes occur in both arms and legs. The nails harden, become transparent, acquire a yellowish-gray tint and may separate from the nail bed over time. It is considered a manifestation of endocrine diseases, although the main causes of sclerotia 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, takes an unnatural color from gray-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, its free edge is bent like a bird, or twisted spirally.
Treatment includes softening the nail surface with salicylic varnish or ointment; In advanced cases, it can be scraped or surgically removed.
Onyhauxis
Excessive growth of the cuticle, 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 is usually manifested as a result of insufficient nail nutrition in diseases such as:
- diabetes;
- varicose veins;
- Atherosclerosis of blood vessels of the lower extremities;
- Elephant disease.
It can also be caused by an injury or a poor-quality manicure; Sometimes onyshok warns of a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. For correction, medications are prescribed that thin and activate blood circulation, in case of vitamin deficiency, the menu is enriched with essential nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomadesis
Sometimes it is accompanied by fungal or bacterial diseases of nails and toenails, which are often caused by mechanical damage or regular nail biting (onychophagia). The nail bed becomes inflamed, the nail matrix itself darkens and after a short time completely falls off the finger. This happens both from the free edge and from the inside, depending on the cause of the disease.
Treatment aims to improve blood circulation in the painful toe through massage, vitamins and medication. If onychomadez is of infectious origin, the disease causing it is treated accordingly. In addition, they try to protect the vulnerable nail bed from fungi and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
Bo rail lines
They appear due to inhibition of the nail growth zone due to metabolic disorders, trauma or 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 more that make the nail wavy (see photo above).
The Bo line looks like an arc that extends across the entire surface of the nail from one side to the other. Its depth can reach 1 mm and directly depends on the severity of the disease. In severe cases, the groove can tighten the nail so much that its free edge stops receiving enough nutrition, gradually atrophies and falls off the finger.
After eliminating the factor that provoked the appearance of the Bo line, the defects on the nails disappear by themselves over time.
longitudinal grooves
They are also called vertical. Possible reasons for their appearance:
- age-related changes;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- psoriasis;
- spinal cord injury;
- gout;
- Defects in the functioning of the intestines or pancreas;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- planar lichen;
- cardiovascular system diseases;
- damage to the root of the nail plate;
- Lack of iron and vitamin B12.
After eliminating the cause, the nails themselves return to their original appearance. During treatment or with age-related changes, to improve the appearance, longitudinal strands can be hidden under a layer of special varnish.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Their shape, number and location differ with different dysfunctions of the body. The appearance of spots on the nails indicates the presence of the following problems:
- protein deficiency;
- lack of vitamins (especially C, E, A) and trace elements (calcium, zinc, iron);
- mushroom
- disturbance 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;
- kidney disease;
- skin diseases
If the disease is not suspected, then this defect can be corrected independently. It will be enough to establish a rest and work schedule, supplement the diet with essential nutrients and wear gloves when handling household chemicals.
Onychodystrophy
Changes occur in the periungual fold, nail plate and bed. The nail becomes less transparent, its thickness changes and growth slows down. Longitudinal ridges may also appear and the color may change to gray-yellow. The causes of this nail disease can be:
- mycoses;
- 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. During onycholysis, the color of the nail plate changes from yellow to brown. The nail becomes brittle and partially or completely detaches from the bed. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases;
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- Some chronic diseases.
ingrown toenail
This type of nail disease occurs because the main causes are too narrow shoes and improper trimming. The nail grows into the lateral pad, causing swelling of the toe, pain when walking, and soft tissue inflammation.
In mild cases, you can deal with foot baths and softening compresses; In advanced cases, only a surgeon can correct an ingrown toenail.
Onychorexis
Brittleness and weakness of nails, which causes them to separate. It is usually accompanied by diseases and conditions that cause microcirculation disturbances in the fingers. The reason may be a strict diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment. Onychorrhexis is very rare on the legs.
anonychia
Lack of nail plate. It can be congenital or acquired after trauma, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature or some dermatoses.
Koilonychia
The nail becomes thin and concave like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- heredity;
- Anemia
- permanent destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- some infections;
- Improper manicure.
microniche
Pathologically small, shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Micronia is also sometimes manifested as a symptom in such diseases as:
- progressive scleroderma;
- Trenaune's syndrome;
- flat angioma;
- true epilepsy;
- Improper hand feeding.
Onychoschisis
Transverse separation of the nail plate. This often happens due to the aggressive influence of household chemicals and decorative nail products. It is often found in representatives of professions with increased mechanical load on the fingers: musicians, printers. Onychoschisis is also manifested by vitamin deficiency.
Onychomycosis
Fungal diseases of the nail are most often found on the feet and their varieties are quite a lot, so it is better to consult a dermatologist for more effective treatment.
You can get fungus anywhere, but it needs a warm, moist, dark environment to thrive, which is why it mostly affects your feet. The disease takes a long time to develop, the first symptoms may appear only after a few months.
First, itching is felt in the infected area, the skin begins to dry and peel. Then, the nail itself is damaged, its color changes, cracks appear on the surface and a rotten smell appears. If left untreated, over time mycosis will spread throughout the body and cause various complications.
Gapalonchia
The nail plates become soft, break and fall off. This happens due to diseases of the endocrine system, metabolic disorders in the body and regular exposure to aggressive chemicals.
Platonicism
The surface of the nail is completely flat (see photo). It can be congenital or acquired as a result of professional activity. Also, some chronic inflammatory processes can provoke this defect.
Prevention
The following list of simple rules will help you avoid many possible diseases of toenails and nails.
- You can't bite your nails.
- File your nails with a glass or cardboard file.
- Manicure should be done on steamed hands, this reduces the risk of microtrauma and resulting wound infection.
- If you use a salon service for your nails, make sure the technician disinfects the tools before use.
- Dry your hands and feet.
- Your diet should include foods containing vitamins and minerals.
And most importantly, do not hesitate to contact doctors and undergo additional examinations by specialists. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chance of defeating it.