Usually, when you see changes to your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is to run to the pharmacy for antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be quite 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, non-compressed 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;
- damages;
- regular destructive effects of harmful substances;
- a congenital anomaly that can manifest only over time;
- diseases of organ systems - cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine;
- development of a low-grade tumor.
In addition, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they may turn yellow and become hard or brittle.
Descriptions of diseases
Concomitant diseases of fingernails and toenails are quite rare; usually the nails of the upper extremities are 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, hence its name. It is not an independent disease, but can occur as a symptom when:
- emphysema;
- pulmonary tuberculosis;
- long-term endogenous poisoning;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- cancer, especially in the lungs.
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 last for years.
Scleronychia
Hypertrophic changes occur in both arms and legs. Nails harden, become transparent, take on a yellowish-gray hue and can eventually separate from the nail bed. This is considered a manifestation of endocrine diseases, although the main causes of scleronyki are still not known.
Onychogryphosis
Another name is "bird's claw". It can develop as a result of frostbite or severe bruising.
The nail becomes dense and uneven and takes on an unnatural color from grey-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, 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 salicylic patch or ointment; in advanced cases, it can be scraped off or surgically removed.
Onyhauxis
Overgrowth of the subungual cornea, which is accompanied by darkening of the nail and inflammation of the nail fold. It affects 1-2 fingers; in rare advanced cases, it can be observed on all fingers and toes. Usually manifests as a consequence of insufficient nutrition of the nail in diseases such as:
- diabetes;
- varicose veins;
- atherosclerosis of blood vessels in the lower extremities;
- elephant disease.
It can also be caused by injury or poor quality manicure; sometimes onychauxis warns of a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. For correction, drugs are prescribed that dilute and activate blood circulation; in case of vitamin deficiency, the menu is enriched with essential nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomadesis
Sometimes accompanying fungal or bacterial diseases of the fingernails and toenails, often as a result of mechanical damage or regular nail biting (onychophagia). The nail bed becomes inflamed, the nail matrix itself darkens and after a short time the finger comes off completely. This happens both from the free edge and from the inside, depending on the cause of the disease.
The treatment is aimed at improving blood circulation in the sore finger through massage, vitamins and medicine. If onychomadesis is of infectious origin, the disease that caused it is treated. In addition, they try to protect the exposed nail bed from fungi and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
Transverse furrows of Beau (lines of Beau-Reil)
They appear due to inhibition of the growth zone of the nail due to metabolic disorders, injury or unsuccessful manicure and appear quite often 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 look wavy (see image above).
Bo's line looks like an arc that stretches 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 severe cases, the groove can tighten the nail so much that its free edge ceases to receive enough nutrition, gradually atrophies and falls off the finger.
After eliminating the factor that provoked the appearance of Bo's line, the defects on the nails disappear by themselves 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 injury;
- arthritis;
- 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 with 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 shape, quantity and location vary with different dysfunctions in 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;
- disturbances in metabolic processes in the body;
- great strain 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 suspicion of disease, this defect can be corrected independently. It will be enough to establish a rest and work schedule, 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 may appear and the color may change to grey-yellow. The causes of this nail disease can be:
- mycoses;
- damages;
- 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 completely or partially away from the bed. Possible causes:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases;
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- damages;
- 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 pad, causing swelling of the finger, pain when walking, and inflammation of the soft tissue.
In mild cases, you can manage with foot baths and emollient compresses, in advanced cases, only a surgeon can correct an ingrown toenail.
Onychorrhexis
Brittleness and fragility of nails, which leads to their separation. Usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause reduced microcirculation in the fingers. A hard 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 either be congenital or acquired after injury, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature or some dermatoses.
Koilonychia
The nail becomes thinner and becomes concave like a spoon. Possible causes:
- heredity;
- anemia;
- constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- some infections;
- improperly executed manicure.
Micronykia
Pathologically small, shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Micronykia also sometimes manifests itself as a symptom in diseases such as:
- progressive scleroderma;
- Trenaunay syndrome;
- flat angioma;
- True epilepsy;
- malnutrition of the hand.
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. Onychoschisis also appears with vitamin deficiency.
Onychomycosis
Fungal nail diseases can most often be found on the feet, and there are quite a lot 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 primarily affects the feet. The disease takes a long time to develop, the first symptoms may not appear until several months later.
First, itching is felt in the infected area, the skin begins to dry and peel. Next, the nail itself is affected, its color changes, cracks appear on the surface and a rotten smell appears. If it is not treated, over time the mycosis will spread throughout the body and cause various types of complications.
Gapalonychia
The nail plates become soft, break and split. It occurs due to diseases of the endocrine system, metabolic disturbances 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. Some chronic inflammatory processes can also provoke 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 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.