Usually, when you see changes in your fingernails or toenails, your first instinct is to run to the drugstore for antifungal ointment. However, the reasons for such changes can be completely different; moreover, 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 fragile and fragile, the nail plate partially or completely leaves 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;
- a congenital anomaly that can appear only over time;
- diseases of organ systems - cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine;
- the development of a low-grade tumor.
In addition, nails are also subject to age-related changes. As they age, they can yellow and become hard or brittle.
Description of diseases
Simultaneous diseases of the nails of the hands and feet are quite rare, usually the nails of the upper extremities are affected.
Hippocrates nails
The extreme phalanges of the fingers thicken, the nails become convex and round. Hippocrates was the first to describe this phenomenon affecting the hands, hence the 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 Hippocrates nails can be an inherited or congenital pathology. In cancer, it develops rapidly over months or weeks; in other cases, the change process can take years.
Scleronicia
Hypertrophic changes occur in both arms and legs. The nails harden, become transparent, take on a yellow-gray shade and over time can separate from the nail bed. This is considered a manifestation of endocrine diseases, although the main causes of scleronicia 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, taking on an unnatural color from gray-yellow and brown to almost black. In addition, its free lip is bent, like that of a bird, or twisted in a spiral.
The treatment consists in softening the surface of the nail with a salicylic piece or ointment; in advanced cases, it can be scraped off or surgically removed.
Onyhauxis
Excessive growth 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 in all fingers and toes. It is usually manifested as a result 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 injury or poor quality manicure; sometimes onychauxis warns of the lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. For correction, medications are prescribed that thin and activate blood circulation; in case of vitamin deficiency, the menu is enriched with essential nutrients and multivitamins.
Onychomadeza
Sometimes it accompanies fungal or bacterial diseases of the nails of the hands and feet, which often result from mechanical injuries or regular nail biting (onychophagia). The nail bed becomes inflamed, the nail matrix itself darkens and after a short time completely leaves the finger. This happens from both the free lip and the inner lip, depending on the cause of the disease.
The treatment aims to improve blood circulation in the injured finger through massage, vitamins and medications. If onychomadesis is of infectious origin, the disease that caused it is treated accordingly. In addition, they try to protect the exposed nail bed from fungi and bacteria, otherwise the affected nails will never grow again.
Beau's transverse furrows (Beau-Reil lines)
They appear due to inhibition of the nail growth zone due to metabolic disorders, injuries or unsuccessful manicures 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 makes the nail appear wavy (see photo above).
Bo's line looks like an arc that extends across the entire surface of the nail from one side roller to another. 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 receiving enough food, gradually atrophies and detaches from the finger.
After eliminating the factor that provoked the appearance of Bo's line, the defects on the nails go away on their own over time.
Longitudinal grooves
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 eliminating the cause, the nails themselves return to their original appearance. During treatment or with age-related changes, to improve the appearance, longitudinal grooves can be hidden under a special layer of varnish.
Leukonychia
White spots appear on the nails. Their shape, quantity and location vary with different body dysfunctions. 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;
- 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 are no suspicions of disease, then this defect can be corrected independently. It will be enough to set a schedule of rest and work, supplement the diet with foods with essential nutrients and wear gloves when coming into 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. It is also possible that longitudinal grooves appear and the color changes to yellow-gray. The causes of this nail disease can be:
- mycosis;
- injuries;
- skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus);
- avitaminosis;
- chronic diseases of the endocrine system;
- heart and lung problems;
- interaction with alkalis, acids, chemicals with unprotected hands.
Onycholysis
It refers to onychodystrophy. With onycholysis, a change in the color of the nail plate from yellow to brown is observed. The toe becomes brittle and partially or completely leaves its bed. Possible reasons:
- fungal and bacterial infections;
- skin diseases;
- taking antibiotics;
- dysbacteriosis;
- injuries;
- contact with allergens;
- some chronic diseases.
Rooted nail
This type of toenail disease occurs because the main causes are too tight shoes and improper trimming. The nail grows into the lateral pad, which causes swelling of the toe, pain when walking, and inflammation of the soft tissues.
In mild cases, you can manage with a foot bath and soothing compresses; in advanced cases, only a surgeon can correct the ingrown toenail.
Onychorexia
Brittleness and fragility of nails, which leads to their separation. It usually accompanies diseases and conditions that cause impaired microcirculation in the fingers. A harsh diet and frequent contact with an alkaline environment can also be the cause. Onychorexia is extremely rare in the leg.
Anonychia
Absence of the nail plate. It can be either 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:
- inheritance;
- anemia;
- the constant destructive effect of acetone or household chemicals;
- some infections;
- manicure done incorrectly.
Micronicia
Small, pathologically shortened nails. It can be congenital or develop as a result of nail biting. Micronicia is also sometimes manifested as a symptom in diseases such as:
- progressive scleroderma;
- Trenaunay syndrome;
- flat angioma;
- True epilepsy;
- hand malnutrition.
Onychoschisis
Transverse division of the nail plate. It often occurs due to the aggressive influence of substances in household chemicals and decorative nail products. It often occurs in representatives of professions with increased mechanical stress on the fingers: musicians, printers. Onychoschisis also occurs with vitamin deficiency.
Onychomycosis
Fungal diseases of the nails can be found more often on the feet and there are many types of them, so for more effective treatment it is better to consult a dermatologist.
You can get the fungus anywhere, but it requires a warm, moist, dark environment to thrive, so it mostly affects the feet. The disease takes a long time to develop, 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 touched, 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.
Gapalonychia
The 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.
Platonicism
The surface of the nail is completely flat (see photo). It can be born or acquired as a result of professional activity. Also, some chronic inflammatory processes can provoke this defect.
Preventing
The following list of simple rules will help you prevent many possible diseases of the toenails 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, wound infection.
- If you use the services of a 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 that contain 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 greater the chances of defeating it.