Typically, when you see changes in your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is to run to the pharmacy to buy an antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different: in addition, 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, 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:
- inadequate 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 organic systems - cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine;
- development of a low-quality tumor.
Furthermore, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they may yellow and become hard or brittle.
Disease descriptions
Simultaneous diseases of the fingernails and toenails are quite rare; generally the nails of the upper extremities are affected.
Hippocratic nails
The extreme phalanges of the fingers become thicker, the nails become convex and round. Hippocrates was the first to describe this phenomenon that affects the hands, which is why it received its name. It is not an independent disease, but can appear as a symptom when:
- emphysema;
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis;
- long-term endogenous intoxication;
- cardiovascular system disorders;
- 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 change process can last years.
Scleronychia
Hypertrophic changes occur in both the arms and legs. The nails harden, become transparent, acquiring 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 not yet 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, acquiring an unnatural color, from grayish 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 adhesive or salicylic ointment; in advanced cases, it may be shaved or surgically removed.
Onyhauxis
Excessive growth of the subungual cornea, accompanied by darkening of the nail and inflammation of the nail fold. Affects 1-2 fingers; in rare advanced cases, it can be seen in all fingers and toes. It usually manifests itself as a consequence of 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 injury or poor-quality manicure, sometimes onychauxis warns of a lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. For correction, medications are prescribed that tune and activate blood circulation; in case of vitamin deficiency, the menu is enriched with essential nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomadesis
It sometimes accompanies fungal or bacterial diseases of the fingernails and toenails, usually resulting from mechanical damage or regular nail biting (onychophagia). The nail bed becomes inflamed, the nail matrix itself darkens and after a short period of time it completely leaves the finger. This happens both through the free and internal edges, depending on the cause of the disease.
Treatment aims to improve blood circulation in the painful finger through massage, vitamins and medication. If onychomadesis is of infectious origin, the disease that caused it is treated appropriately. Furthermore, they try to protect the exposed nail bed from fungi and bacteria, otherwise the affected nail will never grow back.
Beau's transverse grooves (Beau-Reil lines)
They appear due to inhibition of the nail growth zone due to metabolic disorders, injuries or unsuccessful manicure, and often appear in children as a reaction to a viral infection. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be one or several, which leaves the nail with a wavy appearance (see photo above).
The Bo 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 difficult cases, the groove can squeeze the nail so much that its free edge stops receiving sufficient nutrition, gradually atrophies and comes off the finger.
After eliminating the factor that provoked the appearance of Bo's line, nail defects disappear on their own over time.
Longitudinal grooves
They are also called verticals. Possible reasons for its appearance:
- age-related changes;
- nervous system diseases;
- psoriasis;
- spinal cord damage;
- 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.
Once the cause has been eliminated, the nails themselves return to their original appearance. During treatment or age-related changes, to improve appearance, longitudinal grooves can be hidden under a layer of special varnish.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Its shape, quantity and location vary according to different body dysfunctions. 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);
- fungus;
- disorders of metabolic processes in the body;
- heavy load on the nervous system: stress, depression, anxiety;
- intestinal problems;
- frequent contact with household chemicals, low-quality varnishes;
- cardiovascular system disorders;
- kidney disease;
- skin diseases.
If there is no suspicion of illness, this defect can be corrected independently. All you need to do is establish a rest and work schedule, supplement your diet with foods with essential nutrients and wear gloves when coming into contact with household chemicals.
Onychodystrophy
Changes occur in the nail fold, nail plate and bed. The nail becomes less transparent, its thickness changes and growth slows down. It is also possible that longitudinal grooves 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 bare 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;
- dysbiosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- some chronic diseases.
Ingrown toenail
This type of nail disease occurs because the main causes are shoes that are too tight and inadequate cuts. The nail grows into the lateral pad, which causes swelling of the finger, pain when walking, and inflammation of the soft tissues.
In mild cases, you can get by with foot baths and soothing compresses; In advanced cases, only a surgeon can fix an ingrown toenail.
Onychorrhexis
Fragility and fragility of nails, which leads to their separation. It usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause microcirculation impairment in the fingers. A strict diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment can also be the cause. Onychorrhexis is extremely rare in the legs.
Anonychia
Lack of nail plate. It can be congenital or acquired after injury, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature 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 and shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Sometimes micronychia also manifests itself as a symptom of diseases such as:
- progressive scleroderma;
- Trenaunay syndrome;
- flat angioma;
- Genuine epilepsy;
- hand malnutrition.
Onychoschisis
Transverse separation of the nail plate. It often occurs due to the aggressive influence of substances in household chemicals and nail decorative 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 many varieties, so for more effective treatment it is best to consult a dermatologist.
You can catch the fungus anywhere, but it requires a warm, moist, and dark environment to thrive, which is why it mainly affects the feet. The disease takes a long time to develop, the first symptoms may only appear after a few months.
First, the infected area feels itchy, the skin begins to dry and flake. Then the nail itself is affected, its color changes, cracks appear on the surface and a putrid odor appears. If left untreated, over time the ringworm will spread throughout the body and cause various types of complications.
Gapalonychia
The nail plates become soft, break and crack. 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. Furthermore, some chronic inflammatory processes can cause this defect.
Prevention
The following list of simple rules will help you prevent many possible toenail and fingernail diseases.
- You can't bite your nails.
- File your nails with a glass or cardboard file.
- Manicure should be done with steamed hands, this reduces the risk of microtrauma and, consequently, wound infection.
- If you use the services of a nail salon to care for your nails, make sure the technician disinfects the tools before using them.
- Dry your hands and feet.
- Your diet should include enough foods that contain vitamins and minerals.
And most importantly, don't be lazy to go to the doctor and undergo additional examinations by specialists. The earlier the disease is detected, the greater the chances of beating it.