NAIL DISEASE

'Nail diseases' are in a separate category from diseases of the skin. Although nails are a skin appendage, they have their own signs and symptoms which may relate to other medical conditions. Nail conditions that show signs of infection or inflammation require medical assistance and cannot be treated at a beauty parlor. Deformity or disease of the nails may be referred to as 'onychosis'.

Contents

Diseases

Nail changes and conditions associated with them

See also

References

External links

Diseases

★ ''Onychia'' is an inflammation of the matrix (surrounding tissue) of the nail with formation of pus and shedding of the nail. Onychia results from the introduction of microscopic pathogens through small wounds.

★ ''Onychocryptosis'', commonly known as "ingrown nails" (''unguis incarnatus''), can affect either the fingers or the toes. In this condition, the nail cuts into one or both sides of the nail bed, resulting in inflammation and possibly infection. The relative rarity of this condition in the fingers suggests that pressure from the ground or shoe against the toe is a prime factor. The movements involved in walking or other physical disturbances can contribute to the problem. Mild onychocryptosis, particularly in the absence of infection, can be treated by trimming and rounding the nail. More advanced cases, which usually include infection, are treated by surgically excising the ingrowing portion of the nail down to its bony origin and thermally or chemically cauterizing the matrix, or 'root', to prevent recurrence. This surgery is called matrixectomy. The best results are achieved by cauterizing the matrix with phenol. Another method, which is much less effective, is excision of the matrix, sometimes called a 'cold steel procedure'.

★ ''Onychodystrophy'' is a deformation of the nails that can result from cancer chemotherapy which includes bleomycin, hydroxyurea, or 5-fluorouracil. It can include discoloration of the nail, or dyschromia.


★ ''Onychogryposis'', also called "ram's-horn nail", is a thickening and increase in curvature of the nail. It is usually the result of injury to the matrix. It may be partially hereditary and can also occur as a result of long-term neglect. It is most commonly seen in the great toe but may be seen in other toes as well as the fingernails. An affected nail has many grooves and ridges, is brownish in color, and grows more quickly on one side than on the other. The thick curved nail is difficult to cut, and often remains untrimmed, exacerbating the problem.

★ 'Onycholysis' is a loosening of the exposed portion of the nail from the nail bed, usually beginning at the free edge and continuing to the lunula. It is frequently associated with an internal disorder, trauma, infection, nail fungi, allergy to nail enhancement products, or side effects of drugs.

★ ''Onychomadesis'' is the separation and falling off of a nail from the nail bed. Common causes include localized infection, minor injury to the matrix bed, or severe systemic illness. It is sometimes a side effect of chemotherapy or x-ray treatments for cancer. A new nail plate will form once the cause of the disease is removed.

★ ''Onychomycosis'', also known as ''tinea unguium'', is a contagious infection of the nail caused by the same fungal organisms which cause ringworm of the skin (''Trichophyton rubrum'' or ''T. mentagrophytes'', rarely other trichophyton species or ''Epidermophyton floccosum'' ^[1]). It can result in discoloration, thickening, chalkiness, or crumbling of the nails and is often treated by powerful oral medications which rarely can cause severe side effects, including liver failure, although it sometimes responds to a combination of topical medication and periodic filing of the nail surface. Tea tree oil is considered by some people to be as effective as the prescription medication clotrimazole^[2]. Massage the nail bed with a drop of tea tree oil two or three times a day. Another treatment attempt is to apply two drops of distilled white vinegar to the nail base, or, additionally, nail plate and under the nail, two-three times daily for approximately six months or until the fungus is gone. This treatment is very effective but only if followed consistently. The effect results from vinegar's acidity. Another method is to apply products like Vicks Vaporub or Undecylenic acid. The effectiveness of these home remedies is disputed. Physicians treat onychomycosis with antifungal medication, available as special medicinal nail lacquer (for mild forms of onychomycosis) as well as systemic medication (pills). For advanced onychomycosis, especially if more than one nail is infected, systemic medication is considered necessary to cure the infection.


★ ''Onychophosis'' is a growth of horny epithelium in the nail.

★ ''Onychoptosis'' is the periodic shedding of one or more nails, in whole or part. This condition may follow certain diseases such as syphilis, or can result from fever, trauma, systemic upsets or adverse reaction to drugs.

★ ''Paronychia'' is a bacterial or fungal infection where the nail and skin meet. Main articles: Paronychia


★ ''Koilonychia'' is when the nail curves upwards (becomes spoon-shaped) due to an iron deficiency. The normal process of change is: brittle nails, straight nails, spoon-shaped nails.

★ ''Subungual hematoma'' occurs when trauma to the nail results in a collection of blood, or hematoma, under the nail. It may result from an acute injury or from repeated minor trauma such as running in undersized shoes. Acute subungual hematomas are quite painful, and are usually treated by releasing the blood by creating a small hole in the nail. Drilling and thermal cautery (melting) are common methods for creating the hole. Thermal cautery is not used on acrylic nails because they are flammable.

Nail changes and conditions associated with them

Nail inspection can give a great deal of information about the internal working of the body as well, and like tongue or iris inspection, has a long history of diagnostic use in cantraditional medical practices such as Chinese medicine.
Pliability:

★ Brittleness is associated with iron deficiency, thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, circulation problems, and biotin deficiency²

★ Splitting and fraying are associated with psoriasis, folic acid, protein and/or Vitamin C deficiency.

★ Unusual thickness is associated with circulation problems.

★ Thinning nails and itchy skin are associated with lichen planus^[3].
Shape and texture:

★ Clubbing, or nails that curve down around the fingertips with nailbeds that bulge is associated with oxygen deprivation and lung, heart, or liver disease.

★ Spooning, or nails that grow upwards is associated with iron or B12 deficiency.

★ Flatness can indicate a B12 vitamin deficiency³ or Raynaud's disease^[4]

★ Pitting of the nails is associated with Psoriasis.

★ Horizontal ridges indicate stress, and Beau's lines are associated with many serious conditions.

★ Vertical ridges are associated with arthritis².

★ Vertical grooves are associated with kidney disorders, aging, and iron deficiency².

★ Beading is associated with rheumatoid arthritis².

★ Nails that resemble hammered brass are associated with (or portend) hair loss³.

★ Short small beds are associated with heart disease.
Coloration of the nail bed:

★ Mee's lines are associated with arsenic or thallium poisoning, and renal failure.

★ White lines across the nail are associated with heart disease, liver disease, or a history of a recent high fever³.

★ Opaque white nails with a dark band at the fingertip are associated with cancer, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, diabetes and aging³.

★ Paleness or whitening is associated with liver or kidney disease and anemia³.

★ Yellowing of the nail bed is associated with chronic bronchitis, lymphatic problems, diabetes, and liver disorders.

★ Brown or copper nail beds are associated with arsenic or copper poisoning, and local fungal infection.

★ Grey nail beds are associated with arthritis, edema, malnutrition, post-operative effects, glaucoma and cardio-pulmonary disease.

★ redness is associated with heart conditions.

★ dark nails are associated with B12 deficiency.

★ Stains of the nail plate (not the nail bed) are associated with nail polish², smoking, and henna use.
Markings:

★ pink and white nails are associated with kidney disease³.

★ Muehrcke's lines are parallel white lines in the nails associated with hypoalbuminemia.

★ red skin at the base of the nail is associated with connective tissue disorders³.

★ blue lunulae are associated with silver poisoning or lung disorder³.

★ blue nail beds are (much like blue skin) associated with poor oxygenation of the blood (asthma, emphysema, etc)³.

★ small white patches are associated with zinc or calcium deficiency or malabsorption, parasites, or local injury⁴.

★ receded lunulae (fewer than 8) are associated with poor circulation⁴, shallow breathing habits or thyroid mysfunction³.

★ large lunulae (more than 25% of the thumb nail) is associated with high blood pressure.

See also

★ Leukonychia

★ Mee's lines

★ Beau's lines

★ Occupational hazards associated with exposure to human nail dust

References

1. ^ Hall, John C. (2006). "25. Dermatologic mycology.", in John C. Hall: Sauer's Manual of Skin Diseases, 9th edition, Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 244=266. ISBN 0-7817-2947-5.

2. ^ Scratching the Surface of Fingernails.

3. ^ Real Citation Required

4. ^ Valid Citation Required
1. Sauer's Manual of Skin Diseases, , John C., Hall, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2006,
2. Scratching the Surface of Fingernails.
3. Judith Cobb, Fingernails, Jewels or Tools? ''Nature's Field'' - Nail diagnosis]
4. Mariann Cade, Fingernails - Diagnostic Tool

External links

★ Ingrown Toenail - explanation covering causes, treatment, and prevention (with diagram)

★ Links to pictures of Nail Diseases (Hardin MD/Univ of Iowa)

★ A comprehensive guide to nail disease and conditions for the internist.

★ How Fingernail Fungus Spreads, and How to Treat It a practical guide for the layman.

★ How to Easily Cure Nail Fungus with 15 simple treatments (and Video) A doctor explains the options in a video.