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Common Nail Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Introduction
Nails not only contribute to the aesthetic appearance of our hands and feet but also serve as indicators of our overall health. Various diseases can affect the nails, leading to changes in their color, texture, and shape.
In this post, we will explore some common nail diseases, their causes, symptoms, and available treatment options.
1. Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)
Causes: Onychomycosis is caused by fungal infections, most commonly by dermatophytes. It can also be caused by yeast or molds. Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making nails susceptible to infection.
Symptoms: Signs of onychomycosis include thickened nails, discoloration (yellow, brown, or white), brittle or crumbly nails, and changes in shape. The infection may spread to other nails if left untreated.
Treatment: Treatment options include topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal medications, or a combination of both. In severe cases, surgical removal of the infected nail may be necessary.
2. Paronychia
Causes: Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail, commonly caused by bacteria or fungi. It can occur due to injury, prolonged exposure to moisture, or repetitive nail biting.
Symptoms: Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain around the nail. Pus may also be present. Acute paronychia occurs suddenly, while chronic paronychia develops gradually.
Treatment: Treatment involves keeping the affected area clean and dry. Soaking the affected finger or toe in warm water can help reduce inflammation. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections.
3. Psoriasis
Causes: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect the nails, skin, and joints. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms: Nail psoriasis can cause pitting (small dents), discoloration (yellow-brown), thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. Nails may become brittle and crumble easily.
Treatment: Treatment aims to manage the symptoms and reduce inflammation. Topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and systemic medications may be prescribed based on the severity of the condition.
4. Onycholysis
Causes: Onycholysis refers to the separation of the nail from the nail bed. It can be caused by trauma, fungal or bacterial infections, psoriasis, thyroid disorders, or reactions to certain medications.
Symptoms: The nail gradually lifts or detaches from the nail bed, starting from the tip and progressing towards the cuticle. The affected area may appear white or yellowish.
Treatment: Treating the underlying cause is crucial for resolving onycholysis. Avoiding trauma to the nails, keeping them dry, and practicing good nail hygiene can promote healing.
5. Beau’s Lines
Causes: Beau’s lines are horizontal depressions or ridges that appear across the nails. They are usually the result of a temporary disruption in nail growth due to severe illness, injury, or systemic conditions.
Symptoms: Beau’s lines appear as grooves or indentations on the nails. The depth and width of the lines can vary, depending on the underlying cause.
Treatment: Beau’s lines resolve on their own as the nails grow out. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition that caused the lines.
6. Ingrown Toenails
Causes: Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. They are often caused by improper nail trimming, tight shoes, or injury to the toe.
Symptoms: The affected toe may be tender, swollen, and red. Ingrown toenails can also cause drainage of pus and lead to infection if left untreated.
Treatment: Mild cases can often be treated at home by soaking the foot in warm water and gently lifting the ingrown edge of the nail. In severe or recurrent cases, a healthcare professional may need to remove a portion of the nail or provide antibiotics to treat an infection.
7. Nail Trauma
Causes: Nail trauma can occur due to injury, such as crushing, crushing, or repetitive stress on the nails. Accidental trauma, sports-related injuries, or occupational hazards can lead to nail damage.
Symptoms: Nail trauma can cause various changes in the nails, including discoloration, deformity, and separation from the nail bed. Bruising, bleeding, and pain may also be present.
Treatment: Treatment depends on the extent of the trauma. Minor injuries may require only home care, such as cleaning the nail and applying a bandage. Severe cases may require medical intervention, such as repairing the nail or removing a portion of the nail if necessary.
8. Nail Biting (Onychophagia)
Causes: Nail biting is often a habit or a response to stress, anxiety, or boredom. It can lead to damage and infection of the nails and surrounding skin.
Symptoms: Nail biting can result in short, jagged nails, redness, and inflammation around the nail bed. The habit can also lead to bacterial or fungal infections.
Treatment: Breaking the habit of nail biting requires self-discipline and finding alternative coping mechanisms for stress or anxiety. Applying bitter-tasting nail polish or using behavioral therapy techniques may also be helpful.
9. Brittle Nails
Causes: Brittle nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including frequent exposure to water, harsh chemicals, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, and underlying medical conditions.
Symptoms: Brittle nails are prone to splitting, peeling, and breaking. They may have a rough or jagged appearance and lack flexibility.
Treatment: Treating brittle nails involves addressing the underlying cause and taking steps to improve nail health. This may include keeping nails moisturized, protecting them from excessive moisture and harsh chemicals, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients.
Watch this video – 9 Things Your Nails Can Tell You about Your Health
Conclusion
Nail diseases can significantly impact the appearance and health of our nails.
Whether caused by fungal infections, trauma, systemic conditions, or habits like nail biting, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options for common nail diseases.
If you notice any changes in your nails or experience discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Taking proper care of your nails, practicing good hygiene, and addressing any underlying conditions can help maintain healthy and beautiful nails.
Author Bio:
The reason why antifungals don’t work very well is because the fungus is mutating very fast due to how powerful the treatments we throw at it are.
Kerassentials is a unique blend that fungus has never been exposed to, killing it off for good and getting rid of any spores that might remain behind.
Kerassentials is an extremely potent combination of oils and skin supporting vitamins that you can apply every day after you shower to give your nail bed the boost it needs.
Ingredients – Lavender Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Isopropyl Palmitate, DL-alpha-Tocopherol, Organic Flaxseed Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Almond Oil, Clove Bud Oil, Undecylenic Acid, and Manuka oil
These carefully selected ingredients will give your skin the support it needs to constantly rebuild itself and stay healthy. Kerassentials is the only complete formula that maintains the health of your nails in multiple ways.
The result
Perfect nails and skin, with the bad smell and itching completely gone forever!
When can I see results?
I know you are excited to finally rid this annoying fungus, so I can tell that you start noticing improvements immediately. Because your toenails will look more alive. The itchiness will be soothed. And within the first weeks you should be noticing new healthy pink nails growing out to replace the damaged areas. But I can tell you the biggest change will be in your confidence seeing yourself finally beat this thing that has been haunting you for so long.
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