Usually, when you see changes on your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is to run to the pharmacy for antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different; in addition, non-fungal diseases of 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 brittle, 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;
- failure to comply with hygiene standards;
- 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-grade tumor.
Furthermore, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they may yellow and become hard or brittle.
Descriptions of diseases
Simultaneous diseases of fingernails and toenails are quite rare; the nails of the upper limbs are usually affected.
Hippocratic Nails
The extreme phalanges of the fingers thicken, the nails become convex and round. Hippocrates was the first to describe this phenomenon affecting the hands, hence the 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 lung cancer.
Sometimes hippocratic 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.
Scleronichia
Hypertrophic changes occur in both arms and legs. Nails harden, become transparent, take on a yellowish-gray tint, and over time may separate from the nail bed. 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 develop due to frostbite or severe bruising.
The nail becomes dense and uneven, taking on an unnatural color from gray-yellow and brown to almost black. Moreover, its free edge is bent, like a bird's, or twisted into a spiral.
The treatment consists of softening the surface of the nail with a plaster or salicylic ointment; in advanced cases, it can be scraped or surgically removed.
Onyhauxis
Excessive growth of the subungual cornea, accompanied by darkening of the nail and inflammation of the nail fold. Affects 1-2 fingers; in rare advanced cases, it can be seen on 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 caused by an injury or poor-quality manicure; sometimes onychauxis warns of the lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. For correction, drugs that thin and activate blood circulation are prescribed, 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 resulting from mechanical damage or regular nail biting (onychophagia). The nail bed becomes inflamed, the nail matrix itself darkens and after a short time it completely detaches from the finger. This happens from both the free and internal edges, depending on the cause of the disease.
Treatment is aimed at improving blood circulation in the painful 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.
Transverse sulcuses of Beau (Beau-Reil lines)
They appear due to inhibition of the nail growth zone due to metabolic disorders, injury or unsuccessful manicure, and most often appear in children as a reaction to a viral infection. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be one or more of them, which makes 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 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 enough nutrition, gradually atrophies and comes off the finger.
After eliminating the factor that provoked the appearance of Bo's line, defects on the nails disappear on their own over time.
Longitudinal furrows
They are also called verticals. Possible reasons for their appearance:
- age-related changes;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- psoriasis;
- damage to the spinal cord;
- gout;
- defects in the functioning of the intestine or pancreas;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- flat lichen;
- 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 themselves return to their original appearance. During treatment or in case of age-related changes, to improve the appearance, the longitudinal grooves can be hidden under a layer of special varnish.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Their shape, quantity and location vary depending on different dysfunctions of the body. The appearance of stains 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 paints;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- nephropathy;
- skin diseases.
If there is no suspicion of disease, this defect can be corrected independently. Simply establish a rest and work schedule, supplement your diet with foods containing essential nutrients and wear 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 growth slows down. It is also possible that longitudinal furrows appear and the color may change to greyish-yellow. The causes of this nail disease can be:
- mycosis;
- injuries;
- skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus);
- avitaminosis;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine system;
- heart and lung problems;
- 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 moves partially or completely away from its bed. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases;
- take antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- some chronic diseases.
Ingrown toenail
This type of toenail disease occurs because the main causes are shoes that are too tight and improper trimming. The nail grows into the lateral pad, causing swelling of the finger, pain when walking, and inflammation of the soft tissue.
In mild cases it can be done with foot baths and emollient compresses, in advanced cases only a surgeon can correct an ingrown toenail.
Onychorrhexes
Brittleness and brittleness of nails, leading to their separation. It usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause microcirculation disorders in the fingers. A harsh diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment could also be the cause. Onychorrhexis is extremely rare on the legs.
Anonychia
Lack of nail plate. It can be congenital or acquired following injuries, organic nervous system diseases or some dermatoses.
Koilonichia
The nail becomes thinner and becomes concave like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- inheritance;
- anemia;
- constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- some infections;
- incorrectly performed manicure.
Micronychia
Pathologically small and shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop due to nail biting. Micronichia sometimes also manifests itself as a symptom of diseases such as:
- progressive scleroderma;
- Trenaunay syndrome;
- flat angioma;
- Genuine epilepsy;
- hand malnutrition.
Onychoschisis
Transverse separation of the nail plate. It often occurs due to the aggressive influence of substances present 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 in cases of vitamin deficiency.
Onychomycosis
Fungal nail diseases are most often found on the feet, and there are many varieties of them, so for more effective treatment it is better to consult a dermatologist.
You can find the fungus anywhere, but it requires a warm, moist, dark environment to thrive, which is why it primarily affects the feet. The disease takes a long time to develop, the first symptoms can appear only after several months.
First, itching is felt in the infected area, the skin begins to dry and peel. Subsequently, the nail itself is affected, changes color, cracks appear on the surface and a putrid odor appears. If left untreated, over time the mycosis will spread throughout the body and cause various types of complications.
Gapalonichia
Nails become soft, break and split. It occurs due to diseases of the endocrine system, metabolic disorders in the body and regular exposure to aggressive chemicals.
Platonichia
The surface of the nail is completely flat (see photo). It can be congenital or acquired following professional activity. Furthermore, 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 fingernails.
- You can't bite your nails.
- File your nails with a glass or cardboard file.
- Manicure should be performed on steamed hands, this reduces the risk of microtraumas and, consequently, 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 include a sufficient amount of foods containing vitamins and minerals.
And most importantly, do not be lazy to contact doctors and undergo further examinations by specialists. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of defeating it.