Usually, when you see changes in your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is to run to the drugstore for antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different; moreover, non-fungal diseases of the nails of the hands or feet 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 in color. If it changes color, shape, becomes brittle and fragile, the nail plate is partially or completely removed 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.
- low quality volume development.
In addition, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they grow, they may turn yellow and become hard or brittle.
Descriptions of diseases
Concomitant fingernail and toenail diseases are quite rare; the nails of the upper extremities are usually affected.
Hippocrates nails
The extreme phalanges of the fingers thicken, the nails become curved and round. Hippocrates was the first to describe this phenomenon affecting the hands, hence its name. It is not an independent disease, but it can appear as a symptom when:
- emphysema;
- pulmonary tuberculosis?
- long-term endogenous poisoning.
- 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 in months or weeks; in other cases, the process of change can take years.
Sclerosis
Hypertrophic changes occur in both hands and feet. The nails harden, become transparent, take on a yellowish-gray hue and over time may separate from the nail bed. This is considered a manifestation of endocrine diseases, although the main causes of scleroderma are not yet known.
Onychography
Another name is "bird's claw". It can develop as a result of frostbite or severe bruising.
The nail becomes thick and irregular, taking on an unnatural color from gray-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, its free end is bent, like a bird's, or twisted into a spiral.
Treatment consists of softening the surface of the nail with a salicylic pad or ointment; in advanced cases, it may be scraped off or surgically removed.
Onyhauxis
Overgrowth of the hypogenous cornea, accompanied by a darkened nail and inflammation of the nail fold. It affects 1-2 fingers, in rare advanced cases, it can be seen in all fingers and toes. It usually manifests as a consequence of insufficient nail nutrition 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 a poor-quality manicure; sometimes onychauxis warns of a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. For correction, drugs are prescribed that thin and activate blood circulation; in case of vitamin deficiency, the menu is enriched with necessary nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomycosis
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 matrix of the nail itself darkens, and after a while it completely detaches from 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 finger through massage, vitamins and medication. If the onychomycosis is of infectious origin, the disease that caused it is treated accordingly. In addition, they try to protect the exposed nail bed from fungus and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
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 a viral infection. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be one or more, which makes the nail appear wavy (see photo above).
Bo's line looks like an arc that extends across the entire surface of the nail from one lateral cylinder 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 ceases to receive enough nutrition, gradually atrophies and detaches from the finger.
After eliminating the factor that caused the appearance of Bo's line, the defects in the nails disappear on their own 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;
- arthritis;
- defects in the functioning of the intestines or pancreas;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- lichen smooth?
- 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 with age-related changes, to improve the appearance, longitudinal grooves can be hidden under a layer of special varnish.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Their shape, quantity and location vary according to the various 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 trace elements (calcium, zinc, iron).
- fungus;
- disorders of metabolic processes in the body.
- heavy load on the nervous system: anxiety, depression, stress.
- bowel problems;
- frequent contact with household chemicals, low-quality varnishes;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- Kidney Disease?
- skin diseases.
If there is no suspicion of disease, then this defect can be corrected independently. It will be enough to determine a schedule of rest and work, supplement the diet with foods with necessary nutrients and wear gloves when coming into contact with household chemicals.
Onychodystrophy
Changes occur in the perilingual fold, nail plate and bed. The nail becomes less transparent, its thickness changes and growth slows down. Longitudinal furrows are also likely to appear and the color may change to gray-yellow. The causes of this nail disease can be:
- fungal infections;
- 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, there is a change in the color of the nail plate from yellow to brown. The nail becomes brittle and is partially or completely removed from its bed. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases?
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries?
- contact with allergens.
- some chronic diseases.
Inner nail
This type of toenail disease occurs because the main causes are too tight shoes and improper trimming. The nail grows into the lateral pad, which causes swelling of the toe, pain when walking, and inflammation of the soft tissues.
In mild cases, you can manage with foot baths and emollient compresses, while in advanced cases, only a surgeon can fix an ingrown toenail.
Onychorrhage
Brittleness and fragility of the nails, which leads to their separation. It usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause disruption of the microcirculation in the fingers. A harsh diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment can also be the cause. Onychorea is extremely rare on the feet.
Unhappiness
Absence of nail plate. It can be either congenital or acquired after injury, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature or some skin diseases.
Constipation
The nail becomes thinner and hollow like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- heredity;
- anemia;
- constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals.
- any infections;
- wrong manicure.
Micronychia
Abnormally small, shorter nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Micronailia is also sometimes manifested as a symptom in diseases such as:
- progressive scleroderma?
- Trenaunay syndrome?
- flat angioma;
- Genuine epilepsy?
- malnutrition of the hand.
Onychoscissism
Transverse separation of the nail plate. It often appears due to the aggressive effect 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 diseases of the nails can be found more often on the feet and there are many of their varieties, so for more effective treatment it is better to consult a dermatologist.
You can get the fungus anywhere, but it requires a warm, moist, dark environment to thrive, which is why it mostly affects the feet. The disease takes a long time to develop, the first symptoms may appear only after several months.
First, 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 rotten smell appears. If left untreated, over time the fungus will spread throughout the body and cause various kinds of complications.
Jackdaws
The nail plates become soft, break and separate. It appears due to diseases of the endocrine system, metabolic disorders in the body and regular exposure to aggressive chemicals.
Platony
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 cause this defect.
Prevention
The following list of simple rules will help you prevent many possible diseases of toenails and hands.
- 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 micro-traumas and, therefore, infection of the wound.
- 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 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.