Usually, when you see changes in your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is to run to the drugstore for an antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different, moreover, 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, uncompacted 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:
- improper care of fingernails and toenails;
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of infectious or parasitic diseases in the body;
- injuries;
- regular destructive action of harmful substances;
- a congenital anomaly that can manifest only with time;
- diseases of organic systems - cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine;
- the development of low-grade tumors.
In addition, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they can turn yellow and become hard or brittle.
Descriptions of diseases
Simultaneous diseases of fingernails and toenails are quite rare, the nails of the upper extremities are most often affected.
Hippocrates 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, which is why it got its name. It is not an independent disease, but it can appear as a symptom when:
- emphysema;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- long-term endogenous intoxication;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- cancer, especially of the lungs.
Sometimes Hippocrates nails can be a hereditary or congenital pathology. Cancer develops rapidly over months or weeks; in other cases, the process of change can take years.
Scleronychia
Hypertrophic changes occur on both hands and feet. The nails harden, become transparent, take on a yellowish-gray shade and can be separated from the nails over time. This is considered a manifestation of endocrine diseases, although the main causes of scleronychia are still unknown.
Onychogryphosis
Another name is "bird's claw". It can develop as a result of frostbite or severe bruising.
The nail becomes thick and uneven, 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 into a spiral.
Treatment consists of softening the surface of the nail with a salicylic patch or ointment; in advanced cases it can be scraped off or surgically removed.
Onyhauxis
Excessive growth of the subungual cornea, which is accompanied by darkening of the nail and inflammation of the nail folds. Affects 1-2 fingers; in rare advanced cases it can be seen on all fingers and toes. It is usually manifested 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.
The cause can be an injury or a poor-quality manicure, and sometimes onichauxis warns of a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. For correction, drugs are prescribed that dilute and activate circulation, and in case of vitamin deficiency, the menu is enriched with essential nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomadeza
Sometimes it accompanies fungal or bacterial diseases of the fingernails and toenails, which are often the result of mechanical damage or regular nail biting (onychophagia). The nail bed becomes inflamed, the nail matrix itself darkens and after a short time completely comes off the finger. This happens both from the free edge and from the inside, depending on the cause of the disease.
The treatment is aimed at improving the circulation in the painful finger through massage, vitamins and medicines. If the onychomadez is of infectious origin, the disease that caused it is treated. In addition, they try to protect the exposed nail from fungus and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
Beau's transverse furrows (Beau-Reil lines)
They appear due to the inhibition of the nail growth zone due to metabolic disorders, injury or unsuccessful manicure, and often occur in children as a reaction to a viral infection. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be one or more, which is why the nail looks wavy (see the picture above).
Bo's line looks like an arc that stretches across the entire surface of the nail from one side roller 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 food, gradually atrophies and comes off the finger.
After eliminating the factor that caused the appearance of Bo's line, the defects on the nails disappear over time by themselves.
Longitudinal furrows
They are also called vertical. Possible reasons for their appearance:
- age changes;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- psoriasis;
- spinal cord damage;
- gout;
- defects in the functioning of the intestine 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 removing the cause, the nails return to their original appearance. During treatment or with age-related changes, to improve appearance, longitudinal furrows can be hidden under a layer of special varnish.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Their shape, quantity and location vary with different disorders in the body. The appearance of spots on the nails indicates the presence of the following problems:
- lack of protein;
- lack of vitamins (especially C, E, A) and trace elements (calcium, zinc, iron);
- mushroom;
- disorders of metabolic processes in the body;
- heavy load on the nervous system: stress, depression, anxiety;
- bowel problems;
- frequent contact with household chemicals, low-quality varnishes;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- kidney disease;
- skin diseases.
If there is no doubt about the disease, then this defect can be corrected independently. It will be enough to establish a schedule of rest and work, supplement the diet with foods with essential nutrients and wear gloves when you come 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 changes to grayish-yellow. The causes of this nail disease can be:
- mycoses;
- 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
It refers to onychodystrophy. In 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;
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- some chronic diseases.
Ingrown nail
This type of toenail disease occurs because the main causes are too tight shoes and improper trimming. The nail grows into the lateral cushion, which causes swelling of the toe, pain when walking and soft tissue inflammation.
In mild cases, you can endure foot baths and softening compresses, and in more advanced cases, only a surgeon can correct an ingrown toenail.
Onychorex
Brittleness and brittleness of nails, which leads to their separation. It usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause impaired microcirculation in the fingers. A harsh diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment can also be a cause. Onychorexa is extremely rare on the legs.
Anonychia
Lack of nail plate. It can be congenital or acquired after an injury, an organic nervous system disease or some dermatoses.
Koilonychia
The nail becomes thinner and concave like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- heredity;
- anemia;
- constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- some infections;
- manicure done incorrectly.
Micronychia
Pathologically small, shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Micronichia is sometimes manifested 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 occurs due to 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. Onychosis also occurs with vitamin deficiency.
Onychomycosis
Fungal diseases of the nails can most often be found on the feet and there are many of their variants, so it is better to consult a dermatologist for more effective treatment.
You can get the fungus anywhere, but it needs a warm, moist, dark environment to thrive, which is why it mostly affects the feet. The disease develops for a long time, and the first symptoms may appear only after several months.
First, itchiness is felt in the infected area, the skin starts 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, mycosis will eventually spread throughout the body and cause all kinds of complications.
Gapalonychia
Nail plates become soft, break and split. It is caused by 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 picture). It can be congenital or acquired as a result of professional activity. Also, some chronic inflammatory processes can cause this deficiency.
Prevention
The following list of simple rules will help you prevent many possible nail and toenail diseases.
- You can't bite your nails.
- Scrub the nails with a glass or cardboard file.
- Manicure should be done on steamed hands, this reduces the risk of microtrauma and, as a result, infection of the wound.
- If you use the services of a nail salon, make sure the technician disinfects the tool 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 more chances you have to beat it.