Usually, when you see changes to 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, in addition, 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 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:
- improper care of fingernails and toenails;
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of infectious or parasitic diseases in the body;
- injuries;
- regular destructive impact of harmful substances;
- a congenital anomaly that can manifest itself only over time;
- diseases of organ systems - cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine;
- low-grade tumor development.
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 the nails of the hands and feet are quite rare, usually the nails of the upper limbs are affected.
Hippocratic nails
The end 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 in the lungs.
Sometimes Hippocratic 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 in both the hands and feet. The nails harden, become transparent, acquire a yellowish-gray hue, and over time can separate from the nail bed. 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 dense and uneven, acquiring an unnatural color from gray-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, its free edge is bent, like a bird, or twisted in a spiral.
The treatment consists in softening the surface of the nail with a salicylic patch or ointment, in advanced cases it can be scraped or surgically removed.
Onychauxis
An 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. It usually appears 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 poor quality manicure, sometimes onychoxia 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 basic nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomadesa
It sometimes accompanies 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 completely separates from the finger. This happens both from the free edge and from the inside, depending on the cause of the disease.
Treatment is aimed at improving blood circulation in the affected finger through massage, vitamins and drugs. If the onychomadez is of infectious origin, the disease that caused it is treated accordingly. They also try to protect the exposed nail bed from fungus and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
Beau's transverse furrows (Beau-Reil lines)
They appear due to inhibition of the growth zone of the nail 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 several, making the nail appear wavy (see photo above).
Beau's line looks like an arc, stretching across the entire surface of the nail from one side of the roller to the other. Its depth can reach 1 mm and depends directly on the severity of the disease. In difficult cases, the groove can tighten the nail so much that its free edge stops receiving enough food, gradually atrophies and comes out of the finger.
After eliminating the factor that provoked the appearance of Bo's 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 injury;
- gout;
- 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 removing the cause, the nails themselves 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 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);
- fungi;
- 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 suspicion of disease, then this defect can be corrected independently. It will be enough to establish a schedule for rest and work, supplement the diet with foods with essential nutrients and wear gloves when in 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. Longitudinal furrows may also appear and the color may change to gray-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 bases, acids, chemicals with unprotected hands.
Onycholysis
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 moves away partially or completely from its bed. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases;
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- some chronic diseases.
An 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, causing swelling of the toe, pain when walking, and soft tissue inflammation.
In mild cases you can get by with foot baths and softening compresses, in advanced cases only a surgeon can correct an ingrown toenail.
Onychorexis
Brittleness and fragility of the nails, which leads to their separation. It usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause impaired microcirculation in the fingers. A raw diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment can also be a cause. Onychorexis is extremely rare on the legs.
anonychia
Absence of nail plate. It can be congenital or acquired after an injury, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature or some dermatoses.
Koilonychia
The nail thins and becomes concave like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- heredity;
- anemia;
- constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- certain infections;
- improperly done manicure.
Micronichia
Pathologically small, shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Micronychia is also sometimes manifested as a symptom in diseases such as:
- progressive scleroderma;
- Trenaunay syndrome;
- flat angioma;
- True epilepsy;
- malnutrition of the hand.
Onychosis
Transverse separation of the nail plate. It often occurs due to the aggressive effect of substances in household chemicals and decorative nail products. It often occurs in representatives of professions with increased mechanical load on the fingers: musicians, printers. Onychosis also occurs with vitamin deficiency.
Onychomycosis
Fungal diseases of the nails are most often found on the feet and there are quite a few 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 and dark environment to thrive, which is why it mainly affects the feet. The disease develops for a long time, the first symptoms may appear only after a few 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 putrid smell appears. If left untreated, over time, mycosis will spread throughout the body and cause various types of complications.
Gapalonychia
Nail plates 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.
Platonychia
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 provoke this defect.
Prevention
The following list of simple rules will help you prevent many possible toenail and handnail diseases.
- You can't bite your nails.
- File the nails with a glass or cardboard file.
- Manicure should be done on steamed hands, this reduces the risk of microtraumas and, as a result, infection of the wound.
- If you use the services of a nail 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 containing vitamins and minerals.
And most importantly, do not hesitate to contact doctors and undergo additional examinations by specialists. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of defeating it.