Usually, when you notice changes in your nails 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 nails 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, if 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 effects of harmful substances;
- congenital anomaly that can manifest itself only over time;
- diseases of organ systems - cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine;
- the development of a low-grade tumor.
In addition, nails also undergo age-related changes. As they age, they may turn yellow and become hard or brittle.
Description of diseases
Simultaneous diseases of nails and toenails are extremely rare, usually the nails of the upper extremities are affected.
Hippocratic nails
The extreme phalanges of the fingers are thickened, the nails are convex and rounded. This phenomenon affecting the hands was first described by Hippocrates, hence its name. It is not an independent disease, but it can appear as a symptom in the following cases:
- 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. In cancer, it develops rapidly in 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 color and over time can separate from the nail bed. It 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, takes on an unnatural color from gray-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, its free edge is folded like a bird or twisted into a spiral.
Treatment consists of softening the nail surface with a salicylic patch or ointment; in advanced cases, it can be scraped or surgically removed.
Onyx
Overgrowth of the subungual cornea accompanied by blackening of the nail and inflammation of the nail bed. Affects 1-2 fingers, rarely, can be observed in all fingers and toes. It usually manifests itself as a result of insufficient nutrition of the nail in the following diseases:
- 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 the lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. Medicines that thin and activate blood circulation are prescribed for correction, and in case of vitamin deficiency, the menu is enriched with basic nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomades
Sometimes it is caused by fungal or bacterial diseases of nails 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 it completely leaves the finger. This happens both externally and internally, depending on the cause of the disease.
Treatment focuses on improving blood circulation in the painful finger through massage, vitamins, and medication. If onychomadez is of infectious origin, the disease causing 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.
Transverse furrows of Beau (Beau-Reil lines)
They appear due to inhibition of the growth zone of the nail due to metabolic disorders, injury or unsuccessful manicure, and in children, they often appear as a reaction to a viral infection. Depending on the course of the disease, there may be one or more, which causes the nail to look wavy (see the photo above).
The Bo line looks like an arc extending from one side roll to the other along the entire surface of the nail. Its depth can reach 1 mm and directly depends on the severity of the disease. In severe cases, the groove can squeeze the nail so much that its free edge stops feeding enough, gradually atrophies and falls off the finger.
After eliminating the factor that provokes the appearance of the Bo line, the defects on the nails will 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 work of the intestines or pancreas;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- lichen planus;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- damage to the root of the nail plate;
- iron and vitamin B12 deficiency.
After eliminating the cause, the nails return to their original appearance. During treatment or with age-related changes, longitudinal grooves can be hidden under a special varnish layer to improve the appearance.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Their form, quantity and location vary according to different dysfunctions of 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);
- mushrooms;
- disturbance 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;
- disorders of the cardiovascular system;
- kidney disease;
- skin diseases.
If there is no doubt about the disease, this defect can be corrected independently. It is enough to establish a rest and work schedule, feed the diet with essential nutrients and wear gloves when in contact with household chemicals.
Onychodystrophy
Changes occur in the periungual layer, nail plate and bed. The nail becomes less transparent, its thickness changes and growth slows down. Longitudinal furrows may appear and the color may turn 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;
- problems with the heart and lungs;
- 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 away from its bed partially or completely. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases;
- take antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- some chronic diseases.
Ingrown toenail
This type of nail disease occurs because the main reasons are too tight shoes and improper trimming. The nail grows on the side pad, which causes swelling of the finger, pain when walking, inflammation of soft tissues.
In mild cases, you can get by with foot baths and softening compresses; in advanced cases, only a surgeon can correct ingrown toenails.
Onychorex
Brittleness and fragility of the nails, causing them to separate. It usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause disruption of microcirculation in the fingers. A harsh diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment can also cause it. Onychorexis is quite rare in the legs.
Anonychia
Absence of nail plate. It can be acquired either congenitally or after damage, diseases of the nervous system of an organic nature or some dermatoses.
Koilonychia
The nail becomes thin and concave like a spoon. Possible reasons:
- heredity;
- anemia;
- constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- some infections;
- manicure done wrong.
Micronichia
Pathologically small, shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Micronychia 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 effect of household chemicals and substances contained in 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
Nail fungal diseases can be found most often on the feet and their varieties are quite numerous, so it is better to consult a dermatologist for more effective treatment.
Fungi can be found anywhere, but they require a warm, moist, dark environment to thrive, so they mostly affect the feet. The disease develops for a long time, the first symptoms may appear only after a few months.
At 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, mycosis will spread throughout the body and cause various types of complications.
Capalonychia
Nail plates become soft, break and split. This happens due to diseases of the endocrine system, metabolic disorders in the body, and regular exposure to aggressive chemicals.
Platonychia
The nail surface is completely flat (see photo). It can be acquired by birth or as a result of professional activity. Also, some chronic inflammatory processes can provoke this defect.
Prevention
The following list of simple rules will help prevent many possible diseases of the feet and nails.
- 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 microtrauma and, as a result, infection of the wound.
- If you use the services of a salon to get your nails done, make sure the technician disinfects the tools before use.
- Dry your hands and feet.
- Your diet should include foods that contain enough 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 there are to defeat it.