Usually, when you notice changes in your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is to run to the pharmacy to get an antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different, and non-fungal diseases of the 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 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:
- poor 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 poor-quality tumor.
Additionally, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they may turn yellow and become hard or brittle.
Disease descriptions
Simultaneous diseases of the 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 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 Hippocratic nails can be a hereditary or congenital pathology. In the case of cancer, it develops rapidly over months or weeks; in other cases, the change process can last for years.
Scleronychia
Hypertrophic changes occur in the arms and legs. The nails harden, become transparent, take on a yellowish gray tint and can, over time, 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 following frostbite or severe bruising.
The nail becomes dense and uneven, taking on an unnatural color from gray-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, its free edge is bent, like a bird's, or twisted into a spiral.
Treatment involves softening the nail surface with a salicylic patch or ointment; in advanced cases, it may 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 to 2 fingers; in rare advanced cases, it can be seen on all fingers and toes. Usually manifests itself as 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 a 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
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 completely detaches from the finger after a short time. This occurs both from the free edge and from the inner edge, depending on the cause of the disease.
Treatment aims to improve 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 fungus and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
Beau transverse furrows (Beau-Reil lines)
They appear due to inhibition of the nail growth zone due to metabolic disorders, injury or unsuccessful manicure, and quite often appear in children as a reaction to viral infection. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be one or more, which gives the nail a wavy appearance (see photo above).
Bo's line looks like an arc extending across the entire surface of the nail from one side roll to the other. Its depth can reach 1 mm and directly depends on the severity of the disease. In difficult cases, the furrow can tighten the nail so much that its free edge ceases to receive enough nutrition, gradually atrophies and becomes detached from the finger.
After eliminating the factor that caused the appearance of the Bo line, nail defects 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;
- spinal cord injuries;
- 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 themselves return to their original appearance. During treatment or in case of age-related changes, to improve the appearance, longitudinal furrows can be hidden under a layer of special varnish.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Their form, 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);
- mushroom;
- disorders of metabolic processes in the body;
- heavy load on the nervous system: stress, depression, anxiety;
- intestinal problems;
- frequent contact with household chemicals, poor-quality varnishes;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- kidney disease;
- skin diseases.
If there is no suspicion of disease, this defect can be corrected independently. It will be enough to establish a schedule of rest and work, supplement the diet with foods containing essential nutrients, and wear gloves in case of 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 furrows appear and the color changes to a grayish yellow. The causes of this nail disease can be:
- mycoses;
- injuries;
- skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus);
- vitamin deficiency;
- 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 partially or completely moves away from its bed. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases;
- take antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- certain chronic diseases.
Ingrown nail
This type of toenail disease occurs because the main causes are shoes that are too tight and poor fit. 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.
Onychorrhexia
Fragility and fragility of nails, which leads to their separation. 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 on the legs.
Anonychia
Lack of nail plate. It can be either congenital or acquired after an injury, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature or certain dermatoses.
Koilonychia
The nail becomes thinner and becomes concave like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- heredity;
- anemia;
- constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- certain infections;
- poorly 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;
- True epilepsy;
- malnutrition of the hand.
Onychoschisis
Transverse separation of the nail plate. This often happens due to the aggressive influence of substances contained 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 appears with vitamin deficiency.
Onychomycosis
Fungal nail diseases are most commonly found on the feet and there are many varieties. For a more effective treatment, it is therefore best to consult a dermatologist.
You can catch the fungus anywhere, but it requires a warm, humid, dark environment to grow, which is why it mainly affects the feet. The disease takes a long time to develop; the first symptoms may only appear after several months.
First of all, itching is felt in the infected area, the skin begins to dry and peel. Then the nail itself is affected, its color changes, cracks appear on the surface and a putrid smell appears. If left untreated, the yeast infection will spread throughout the body over time and cause various complications.
Gapalonychia
The nail plates become soft, break and split. This occurs due to diseases of the endocrine system, metabolic disorders in the body and regular exposure to aggressive chemicals.
Platonychia
The nail surface is completely flat (see photo). It can be congenital or acquired following professional activity. Additionally, certain chronic inflammatory processes can cause this defect.
Prevention
The following list of simple rules will help you prevent many possible diseases of 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 microtrauma and, as a result, infection of the wound.
- If you use the services of a salon to take care of your nails, make sure the technician disinfects the tools before use.
- Dry your hands and feet.
- Your diet should include enough foods containing 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.