What is the nail matrix. How does it function. What injuries can affect the nail matrix. Which disorders are associated with the nail matrix. How can you protect your nail matrix from infections and injuries.

The Nail Matrix: The Foundation of Nail Growth

The nail matrix is a crucial component of nail anatomy, serving as the birthplace of our fingernails and toenails. This specialized area of tissue is responsible for producing new nail cells, which gradually push out older, dead cells to form the visible nail plate. Understanding the nail matrix’s role is essential for maintaining healthy nails and recognizing potential issues that may arise.

Key Components of Nail Anatomy

To fully appreciate the nail matrix’s function, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with the various parts of the nail structure:

• Nail plate: The visible part of the nail that we see and trim
• Nail bed: The layer of skin beneath the nail plate to which it adheres
• Lunula: The white, half-moon shape at the base of the nail
• Sterile matrix: The area above the lunula where some nail cells are produced
• Germinal matrix: The area below the lunula responsible for most nail production
• Perionychium: The structures surrounding the nail plate
• Cuticle: The protective skin at the base of the nail

How does the nail matrix contribute to nail growth? The germinal matrix, located beneath the lunula, is responsible for producing approximately 90% of the nail cells. This production gives the nail its natural curvature and drives its growth. On average, nails grow about 3 to 4 millimeters per month, with factors such as age and nail length influencing growth rates.

Common Injuries Affecting the Nail Matrix

The nail matrix, like any other part of our body, is susceptible to various injuries that can impact nail growth and appearance. Understanding these injuries can help in prevention and proper care.

Trauma-Induced Nail Matrix Injuries

Traumatic injuries to the nail matrix are surprisingly common, with an estimated 50% of fingernail injuries resulting from broken fingers. How does trauma affect nail growth? When the nail matrix experiences significant trauma, it can temporarily halt nail cell production for up to three weeks. After this period, nail growth typically resumes at an accelerated rate before normalizing after about 100 days.

What are the potential long-term effects of nail matrix trauma? In cases of severe injury, particularly to the germinal matrix at the nail’s base, there’s a possibility that the nail may never grow back. This underscores the importance of protecting our nails and seeking prompt medical attention for significant injuries.

Nail Matrix Disorders: From Common to Complex

Several disorders can affect the nail matrix, ranging from minor inconveniences to more serious conditions requiring medical intervention. Let’s explore some of the most prevalent nail matrix disorders:

Ingrown Nails: A Common Nuisance

Ingrown nails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often due to improper trimming, trauma, or tight footwear. This condition can lead to swelling, tenderness, and potential infection if left untreated. How can you prevent ingrown nails? Proper nail care, including cutting nails straight across and wearing well-fitting shoes, can significantly reduce the risk of developing this painful condition.

Melanonychia: Pigmentation Changes in the Nail

Melanonychia is a condition characterized by brown or black pigmentation in the nail, often appearing as vertical stripes. While it can be a normal variation in nail color, especially in individuals with darker skin tones, it may also indicate underlying health issues. What causes melanonychia? Various factors can contribute to this condition, including:

• Nail biting
• Psoriasis
• Pregnancy
• Cushing syndrome
• Chemotherapy medications
• Nail infections

Given the potential for melanonychia to be a sign of more serious conditions, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you notice unexplained changes in nail pigmentation.

Subungual Melanoma: A Serious Concern

Subungual melanoma, also known as nail matrix melanoma, is a form of skin cancer that develops in the nail matrix. This condition can cause changes in nail pigmentation, often resulting in distinct striped discoloration. Why is early detection of subungual melanoma important? Like all forms of cancer, early diagnosis and treatment of subungual melanoma can significantly improve outcomes. If you observe unexplained changes in your nails, particularly in pigmentation, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation promptly.

Rare Nail Matrix Conditions: Pterygium and Nevomelanocytic Nevus

While less common, conditions such as pterygium and nevomelanocytic nevus can also affect the nail matrix, leading to unique nail appearances and potential health concerns.

Pterygium: Scarring of the Nail Matrix

Pterygium unguis is a condition characterized by scarring that extends from the nail fold to the nail matrix. This scarring causes the nail fold to fuse with the matrix, resulting in a ridged appearance on the nail plate. What causes pterygium? Several factors can contribute to the development of pterygium, including:

• Lichen planus
• Burns
• Lupus erythematosus

Nevomelanocytic Nevus: Moles Under the Nail

A nevomelanocytic nevus is essentially a mole or collection of melanocytes beneath the nail matrix. These can be present from birth or develop later in life due to trauma or aging. Why is it important to monitor nevomelanocytic nevi? The challenge with these nevi lies in distinguishing between benign growths and potentially cancerous discolorations. Regular monitoring and professional evaluation are crucial for early detection of any concerning changes.

Infectious Nail Matrix Disorders: Paronychia and Onychomycosis

Infections of the nail matrix can lead to significant discomfort and nail deformities if left untreated. Two common infectious disorders affecting the nail matrix are paronychia and onychomycosis.

Paronychia: Bacterial and Fungal Nail Infections

Paronychia is an infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, which can extend to the nail matrix. This condition can be acute or chronic, potentially leading to nail deformities if not addressed promptly. What are the symptoms of paronychia? Common signs include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain
• Pus-filled areas around the nail

Both bacteria and fungi can cause paronychia, necessitating appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause.

Dystrophic Onychomycosis: Severe Fungal Nail Infections

Dystrophic onychomycosis is a severe fungal infection that can lead to complete destruction of the nail plate. This condition typically occurs in individuals with long-standing fungal nail infections. How does dystrophic onychomycosis affect the nail matrix? The infection can damage the nail matrix, leading to abnormal nail growth and potentially permanent nail deformities if left untreated.

Protecting Your Nail Matrix: Prevention and Care

Given the importance of the nail matrix in maintaining healthy nails, it’s crucial to take steps to protect this vital structure from injury and infection. Here are some practical tips for nail matrix care:

1. Practice good hygiene: Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacterial and fungal infections.
2. Trim nails properly: Cut nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short to prevent ingrown nails.
3. Wear protective gear: Use gloves when working with chemicals or performing tasks that could injure your nails.
4. Avoid nail biting: This habit can damage the nail matrix and increase the risk of infection.
5. Moisturize: Keep your nails and surrounding skin well-hydrated to maintain flexibility and prevent cracking.
6. Be cautious with nail cosmetics: Limit the use of harsh nail products and remove nail polish regularly to allow your nails to breathe.
7. Maintain a healthy diet: Ensure you’re getting adequate nutrients, particularly biotin, to support nail health.

When to Seek Professional Help for Nail Matrix Issues

While many nail problems can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant professional medical attention. When should you consult a healthcare provider about your nails? Consider seeking help if you experience:

• Persistent pain or discomfort in or around the nail
• Significant changes in nail color, texture, or shape
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge
• Nail separation from the nail bed
• Failure of a nail to grow back after injury
• Any concerning growths or lesions on or around the nail

Early intervention can often prevent minor nail issues from developing into more serious problems and ensure proper treatment for potentially severe conditions.

Advancements in Nail Matrix Research and Treatment

The field of nail health and matrix disorders continues to evolve, with ongoing research leading to new insights and treatment options. What recent advancements have been made in nail matrix care? Some notable developments include:

• Improved diagnostic techniques for early detection of nail matrix melanoma
• Development of more effective antifungal treatments for resistant nail infections
• Advanced nail reconstruction techniques for severe matrix injuries
• Exploration of stem cell therapies for nail regeneration

These advancements offer hope for improved outcomes in treating nail matrix disorders and maintaining overall nail health. As research continues, we can expect further innovations in both preventive care and treatment strategies for nail matrix-related conditions.

Understanding the importance of the nail matrix and staying informed about potential issues can help you maintain healthy nails and catch any problems early. By implementing proper nail care practices and seeking timely medical attention when needed, you can protect your nail matrix and enjoy strong, healthy nails for years to come.

Anatomy, Function, Injuries, and Disorders

The nail matrix is the area where your fingernails and toenails start to grow. The matrix creates new skin cells, which pushes out the old, dead skin cells to make your nails. As a result, injuries to the nail bed or disorders that affect the matrix can affect your nail growth.

Regarding the nail’s anatomy, it’s important to consider what you see and what you don’t. If you look at the top of the nail, you’re looking at the nail plate. Underneath the nail plate is the nail bed. The nail bed is where the nail adheres to the finger.

Other key elements of the nail include:

• Lunula. The white, half-moon cells at the nail’s base. Some people can only see the lunula on their thumbs while others cannot see theirs at all.
• Sterile matrix. This is the area of the nail above the lunula. The nail typically changes color beyond the germinal matrix (see below) as it extends to the sterile matrix because cells no longer have nuclei after that time, which makes the nail appear more transparent. This area is the next most common place where nail cells are made. Fingertip skin is connected to the sterile matrix.
• Germinal matrix. This is the area of the nail below the lunula (closest to the knuckle). An estimated 90 percent of nail production comes from the germinal matrix. This gives a natural curvature to the nail.
• Perionychium. The structures that surround the nail plate.
• Cuticle. The area of skin where the nail grows out of the finger. It provides protection to the nail matrix.

Your nails typically grow around 3 to 4 millimeters a month. Some people’s nails grow faster, including younger people and those with longer fingernails.

The nails are intended to provide protection to fingers as well as aid in opening, scratching, and tearing. Just like other body areas, they’re subject to injury and disease. The following are some conditions that can affect the nail matrix.

Trauma

An estimated 50 percent of fingernail injuries are due to a broken finger. Trauma to the nail can cause the production of new nail cells to stop for as long as three weeks.

Nail growth will usually resume at a faster rate and steady after about 100 days. You may notice the nail appears thicker than usual.

The extent of the injury often depends on where it occurs. If you have a deep cut or trauma to the germinal matrix at the base of the nail, it’s possible the nail may never grow back.

Ingrown nail

An ingrown nail occurs when a nail grows into the skin of the finger or toe, usually due to being cut too short. However, trauma to the nail and wearing tight shoes can also cause ingrown nails.

Symptoms include a swollen and tender nail. Sometimes, this area can get infected and will be red, painful, and sore.

Melanonychia

Melanonychia is a condition that causes brown pigmentation irregularities in the nail. Those who have dark skin are more likely to have it. This irregularity appears as a brown or black vertical stripe up the nail plate.

Melanonychia is a broad descriptive term that can indicate a normal variation on nail color or something as serious as subungual melanoma (see below). Several conditions and events can cause melanonychia, including:

• nail biting
• psoriasis
• pregnancy
• Cushing syndrome
• chemotherapy medications
• nail infection

Subungual melanoma

Subungual melanoma (or nail matrix melanoma) is a condition where cancerous cells grow in the nail matrix. The cancerous cells can cause changes in pigments in the nail known as melanin. As a result, a distinct striped discoloration can grow from the nail matrix.

If you observe changes to your nail that aren’t explained by trauma, talk to a doctor to ensure they’re not due to subungual melanoma.

Pterygium

Pterygium unguis is a condition that causes scarring that extends to the nail matrix. It causes the nail fold where the fingernail usually goes over the fingertip to fuse to the nail matrix. The nails take on a ridged appearance on the nail plate.

Lichen planus, burns, and lupus erythematosus cause pterygium.

Nevomelanocytic nevus

A nevomelanocytic nevus is essentially a mole or collection of melanocytes under the nail matrix. It’s possible to have one from birth, or acquire one following nail trauma or due to aging.

The challenge with a nevomelanocytic nevus is that it’s hard to tell the difference between a non-harmful nevus and discoloration that indicates cancer.

Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the fingernails or toenails. This condition may be acute or chronic, which can lead to nail deformities. Paronychia symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, and pus-filled areas in or around the nail. Fungus or bacteria can cause paronychia.

Dystrophic onychomycosis

Dystrophic onychomycosis is a fungal skin infection that causes total destruction of the nail plate. The condition usually occurs when a person has had a severe fungal nail infection for some time and goes untreated or isn’t fully treated.

Some common causes of dystrophic onychomycosis include:

• psoriasis
• lichen planus
• contact dermatitis
• trauma

A doctor can diagnose some nail concerns by a visual examination and listening to a description of symptoms. This is true for many fungal nail infections with nail crumbling, itching, and redness around the nail.

However, some conditions may warrant further work-up. This includes obtaining a specimen of the nail, either by clipping a portion of the end or performing a nail matrix biopsy.

Nail matrix biopsy

In a nail matrix biopsy, a doctor takes a sample of a nail matrix to examine for irregular cells, such as cancer. Because the nail matrix is deep at the nail’s base, doctors usually perform this procedure under local anesthesia.

A doctor can strategically inject local anesthetic into the finger’s base, numbing the finger. You shouldn’t be able to feel pain, only pressure, when a doctor removes a portion of the nail’s matrix. The approach to the biopsy depends on what area the doctor is testing.

The nail matrix is responsible for nail growth. It can be vulnerable to damage and disease. Seeing a doctor as soon as discoloration, pain, swelling, or other symptoms occur can ideally ensure you are treated as quickly as possible.

Anatomy, Function, Injuries, and Disorders

The nail matrix is the area where your fingernails and toenails start to grow. The matrix creates new skin cells, which pushes out the old, dead skin cells to make your nails. As a result, injuries to the nail bed or disorders that affect the matrix can affect your nail growth.

Regarding the nail’s anatomy, it’s important to consider what you see and what you don’t. If you look at the top of the nail, you’re looking at the nail plate. Underneath the nail plate is the nail bed. The nail bed is where the nail adheres to the finger.

Other key elements of the nail include:

• Lunula. The white, half-moon cells at the nail’s base. Some people can only see the lunula on their thumbs while others cannot see theirs at all.
• Sterile matrix. This is the area of the nail above the lunula. The nail typically changes color beyond the germinal matrix (see below) as it extends to the sterile matrix because cells no longer have nuclei after that time, which makes the nail appear more transparent. This area is the next most common place where nail cells are made. Fingertip skin is connected to the sterile matrix.
• Germinal matrix. This is the area of the nail below the lunula (closest to the knuckle). An estimated 90 percent of nail production comes from the germinal matrix. This gives a natural curvature to the nail.
• Perionychium. The structures that surround the nail plate.
• Cuticle. The area of skin where the nail grows out of the finger. It provides protection to the nail matrix.

Your nails typically grow around 3 to 4 millimeters a month. Some people’s nails grow faster, including younger people and those with longer fingernails.

The nails are intended to provide protection to fingers as well as aid in opening, scratching, and tearing. Just like other body areas, they’re subject to injury and disease. The following are some conditions that can affect the nail matrix.

Trauma

An estimated 50 percent of fingernail injuries are due to a broken finger. Trauma to the nail can cause the production of new nail cells to stop for as long as three weeks.

Nail growth will usually resume at a faster rate and steady after about 100 days. You may notice the nail appears thicker than usual.

The extent of the injury often depends on where it occurs. If you have a deep cut or trauma to the germinal matrix at the base of the nail, it’s possible the nail may never grow back.

Ingrown nail

An ingrown nail occurs when a nail grows into the skin of the finger or toe, usually due to being cut too short. However, trauma to the nail and wearing tight shoes can also cause ingrown nails.

Symptoms include a swollen and tender nail. Sometimes, this area can get infected and will be red, painful, and sore.

Melanonychia

Melanonychia is a condition that causes brown pigmentation irregularities in the nail. Those who have dark skin are more likely to have it. This irregularity appears as a brown or black vertical stripe up the nail plate.

Melanonychia is a broad descriptive term that can indicate a normal variation on nail color or something as serious as subungual melanoma (see below). Several conditions and events can cause melanonychia, including:

• nail biting
• psoriasis
• pregnancy
• Cushing syndrome
• chemotherapy medications
• nail infection

Subungual melanoma

Subungual melanoma (or nail matrix melanoma) is a condition where cancerous cells grow in the nail matrix. The cancerous cells can cause changes in pigments in the nail known as melanin. As a result, a distinct striped discoloration can grow from the nail matrix.

If you observe changes to your nail that aren’t explained by trauma, talk to a doctor to ensure they’re not due to subungual melanoma.

Pterygium

Pterygium unguis is a condition that causes scarring that extends to the nail matrix. It causes the nail fold where the fingernail usually goes over the fingertip to fuse to the nail matrix. The nails take on a ridged appearance on the nail plate.

Lichen planus, burns, and lupus erythematosus cause pterygium.

Nevomelanocytic nevus

A nevomelanocytic nevus is essentially a mole or collection of melanocytes under the nail matrix. It’s possible to have one from birth, or acquire one following nail trauma or due to aging.

The challenge with a nevomelanocytic nevus is that it’s hard to tell the difference between a non-harmful nevus and discoloration that indicates cancer.

Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the fingernails or toenails. This condition may be acute or chronic, which can lead to nail deformities. Paronychia symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, and pus-filled areas in or around the nail. Fungus or bacteria can cause paronychia.

Dystrophic onychomycosis

Dystrophic onychomycosis is a fungal skin infection that causes total destruction of the nail plate. The condition usually occurs when a person has had a severe fungal nail infection for some time and goes untreated or isn’t fully treated.

Some common causes of dystrophic onychomycosis include:

• psoriasis
• lichen planus
• contact dermatitis
• trauma

A doctor can diagnose some nail concerns by a visual examination and listening to a description of symptoms. This is true for many fungal nail infections with nail crumbling, itching, and redness around the nail.

However, some conditions may warrant further work-up. This includes obtaining a specimen of the nail, either by clipping a portion of the end or performing a nail matrix biopsy.

Nail matrix biopsy

In a nail matrix biopsy, a doctor takes a sample of a nail matrix to examine for irregular cells, such as cancer. Because the nail matrix is deep at the nail’s base, doctors usually perform this procedure under local anesthesia.

A doctor can strategically inject local anesthetic into the finger’s base, numbing the finger. You shouldn’t be able to feel pain, only pressure, when a doctor removes a portion of the nail’s matrix. The approach to the biopsy depends on what area the doctor is testing.

The nail matrix is responsible for nail growth. It can be vulnerable to damage and disease. Seeing a doctor as soon as discoloration, pain, swelling, or other symptoms occur can ideally ensure you are treated as quickly as possible.

Onychomycosis what it is and how to treat the disease

Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a dermatophyte infection of the nails on the hands and feet, which results in the destruction of the nail plate.

Fungal lesions of the nails and feet (dermatomycosis) are caused by pathogens of the genus Trichophyton rubrum , Candida , 9 0004 Epidermophyton and Microsporum .

Three types of onychomycosis are defined in the Russian qualification:

Normotrophic – in which spots and stripes appear, the color of the nail changes, but at the same time shine remains and the thickness of the nail does not change.

Hypertrophic – the nail thickens and deforms, the color changes and shine disappears. Eating appears.

Onycholytic – the part of the nail affected by mycosis is artophated and exfoliates from the bed, hyperkeratosis and loose layers appear.

Localization of onychomycosis occurs:

Distal – at the free edge

Lateral – in the lateral ridges

9000 3 Proximal – at the posterior ridge

Total – the entire nail is affected

Favorable factors influencing the occurrence of a fungal disease:

Using the services of manicure and pedicure specialists in unreliable places, where it is likely that they neglect high-quality and modern disinfection and sterilization of instruments and do not use disposable materials and instruments.

Familial predisposition – if parents suffer from onychomycosis, then children will most likely also suffer from this disease.

Going to public places and playing sports (sauna, gym, bath, swimming pool) and walking barefoot there, not using individual shoes.

Reduced immunity – makes a person more vulnerable to various infections, including fungal infections.

Inappropriate shoes – wearing tight and narrow shoes, especially those made of synthetic materials, creates ideal conditions for the development and growth of fungi.

Non-compliance with personal hygiene – use of other people’s nail files, towels, shoes, as well as contaminated toenails, systematic refusal to wash, especially in summer.

Diabetes mellitus is the main cause of the appearance of fungi in diabetes – metabolic disorders. Part of the undigested sugar is excreted with sweat, it also becomes a breeding ground for the development of a fungal infection.

Injury, nail and foot deformity – a gate for infection opens on the damaged nail. And in case of injury, the supply of a certain part of the nail with nutrients worsens, which creates a favorable environment for the reproduction of fungi.

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) – mushrooms develop more actively in a humid and warm place.

Impairment of blood circulation – deterioration of blood supply leads to oxygen starvation of tissues, which in turn prevents the body from fighting the reproduction of fungi.

Age-related fungal infections are more common in middle-aged and older people. Due to the fact that in old age it is difficult for many people to take care of themselves, this gives the fungi time to develop and colonize the nail plates. And also, older people care less about their appearance and strongly trigger the disease, they turn to the doctor in the later stages of the disease.

Climate – in countries with a cold climate, where residents wear long-closed shoes, they get sick more often.

Sex-men suffer from onychomycosis more often than women on average three times.

Fungal infection of the skin.

People with fungal infections of the hands and feet are much more likely to get nail infections. The fact is that most types of fungi equally easily affect the skin and nails. It is almost impossible to avoid infection in neighboring areas. Often, with mycoses of the skin, itching. Scratching the affected areas automatically leads to the entry of the fungus under the nails. Over time, this leads to the development of onychomycosis.

When the fungus affects the skin of the feet, cracks may appear, which eventually begin to bleed, damage is also observed in the interdigital folds, which begin to itch.

The most common form of onychomycosis is distal subungual onychomycosis. Slowly rising from the distal edge, the fungus penetrates the hyponychium and further into the proximal zone and matrix. The nail plate thickens, rises and becomes yellow, brittle and can completely collapse. Usually, the lesion begins with one nail and, if left untreated, the infection slowly but surely spreads to other nails.

Mechanism of fungal infection of the nail

When fungi get on a healthy nail, the disease develops very slowly. Without malnutrition of the nail plate and in the normal state of the immune system, most pathogens will not be able to start tissue colonization. However, if the above risk factors are present, the development of the disease begins. Fungal infection fixes on a certain part of the nail plate ( usually on the free or lateral edge ) and gradually destroys the weakened nail. The main source of “nutrition” in this case are dead keratinocytes.

Some fungi form mycelium as they grow. It helps them attach to the nail plate. In parallel, air cavities are created in the thickness of the nail. Because of this, the tissue exfoliates or collapses. With the help of hyphae, the fungus attaches well to the surface of the nail and begins to grow into it. The defect can increase over time both in width and in depth. Mechanical cleaning of the nail or removal of the surface layer at this stage no longer gives anything, since the deep layers of the nail plate are also affected.

If the infection reaches the matrix, the formation of nail tissue may be disrupted. Onychoblasts stop synthesizing the chemicals needed for normal nail growth. In this regard, growth may stop or the newly formed areas will be defective. All this only aggravates the course of the disease, contributing to the development of fungi. Thus, it is better to start treatment as early as possible, while the growth zone is not yet infected.

At the first suspicion, you should contact a dermatologist as soon as possible for diagnosis and therapy. The sooner treatment is started, the easier the recovery will be.

After a laboratory examination and diagnosis by a dermatologist, in the medical pedicure room, the treatment and removal of the affected areas of the nail plates with a spray machine using special cutters is mandatory, cooling the treated areas, thereby being very comfortable and absolutely painless. Thickened nail plates are thinned to conditionally normal for deeper penetration of drugs into the affected layers of the nail.

In our work, we are one of the first in Voronezh to use the innovative development of the German company Hahn Medical – the technology of photodynamic treatment of onychomycosis PACT med . The technique was developed on the basis of 14 years of cooperation with the Department of Microbiology of the University of Tübingen (Germany).

PACT Med is a revolution in the treatment of fungal nails. Photodynamics is so simple and safe to use that it can be used both in a medical facility and by a qualified pedicurist.

In contrast to the methods common in the world, photodynamics combines the safety of local therapy and the effectiveness of systemic therapy, without incurring any side effects.

ACTIONS

Photodynamics is a scientific approach based on the simultaneous action on microorganisms of a special emitter (a generator of a light flux of the required wavelength and power) and a pigment (photosensitizer), a substance that marks the affected parcels (marker) .

Compared to human cells, fungal cells have a much thinner membrane. If the cell membrane of fungi is marked with a special marker substance, it acquires selective sensitivity to light of a certain wavelength.

During irradiation with a PACT emitter, fungal cell membranes labeled with a marker substance are destroyed. This leads to the death of fungal cells within a short time. Using this method several times, it is possible to carry out both superficial and deep photodisinfection of the nail plate.

Photochemical reaction does not affect healthy tissues, the photosensitizer acts only locally, without penetrating into the blood. Photodynamic nail treatment can be repeated as often as desired, without restrictions, contraindications or side effects.

After hardware treatment of nail plates, apply the required layer of PACT gel to the affected areas. The exposure time is 10 minutes, that time is enough for the gel to penetrate into the affected tissues.

This is followed by photo-irradiation of this zone PACT for 9.5 minutes. During this time, cell membranes marked with a marker that have become sensitive to light are successfully destroyed by light waves. The remains of the gel are removed with a napkin.

The duration of therapy depends on the degree of pathology of the affected area, age, duration and concomitant diseases and the accuracy of the patient’s compliance with the doctor’s recommendations.

Arthritis, anemia, lupus: the doctor listed diseases that can be recognized by nails

• Health

The appearance of your nails can provide important information about your overall health. Any deformation, change in color or thickness is a reason for a visit to the doctor.

January 26, 2022

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White patches, hot pink or bluish tint, waviness, or small bumps can be signs of disease in the body. For example, problems with the liver, lungs and heart. Healthy nails are functionally and cosmetically important for the daily life of women and men. Help us do our usual work.

Over the course of a lifetime, 99 percent of people develop nail problems. Many of them require treatment. Aun Rami, a dermatovenereologist at the European Medical Center (EMC), a member of the Russian Society of Dermatovenereologists and Cosmetologists (ROJ), told Doctor Peter what these changes mean.

What a healthy nail looks like

Healthy nails are shiny, smooth and uniform in appearance, both when viewed from above and from the side of the free edge of the nail. They have tight-fitting cuticles, nail folds, and nail plates. Healthy nails do not have cracks, they are not hard and not broken off. The visible part of the nail bed is pink and the free edge of the nail is white.

Other signs of healthy nails are a free edge extending beyond the nail bed, a shiny surface and a slight curve in the free edge of the nail.

Our body constantly gives signals about the state of health. If you are attentive to the changes that occur with the body, you can prevent the appearance of serious diseases in time.

Nails are one of the main screens of our body. The most common complaints are changes in the color of the nails and their structure , so we will take a closer look at what each of these manifestations means.

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If the color has changed – what does it mean

If nails become pale , sometimes this can be a sign of serious illness, for example:

1. anemia;

2. congestive heart failure;

3. liver disease;

4. malnutrition.

If the nails are predominantly white with darker edges , this may indicate liver problems such as hepatitis.

Bluish nails may indicate that the body is not getting enough oxygen. This indicates problems with the lungs, such as emphysema. Certain heart conditions can also be associated with bluish nails.

Inflammation of the nail fold

If the skin around the nail is red and swollen, this is called nail fold inflammation. Such a disorder may be the result of lupus or some other connective tissue disease.

Redness and inflammation of the nail fold can also be caused by an infection.

Cracked or brittle nails

If the nails are dry, often cracked or broken, this indicates thyroid disease. A cracked or broken nail combined with a yellowish tint is likely caused by a fungal infection.

Fungal infection is the most common nail disease ; it accounts for up to 50 percent of all diseases in this group and is common in people with immunosuppression (immune suppression), trichophytosis of the feet , diabetes mellitus or peripheral blood vessel disease . All of these diseases increase the risk of fungal infections.

See also

Longitudinal waviness is visible on the nails

The most common cause of vertical or small longitudinal protrusions is lack of moisture and improper nutrition. As nails age, their ability to absorb nutrients decreases and this of course affects their growth. Vertical protrusions often form on aging nails. You don’t have to worry about that. However, in some cases, longitudinal waviness may indicate existing health problems.

Cross lines on nails

The appearance of transverse lines on the nails may be due to a growth retardation of the nail matrix or a discoloration of the nail itself; this indicates the likelihood of some systemic disease or the result of the action of some toxin or drug.

Transverse lines are a typical sign of short-term toxic effects on keratinocytes of the nail matrix, resulting in short-term growth retardation of the nail plate. Transverse grooves appear in the nail in the form of lines, which, as the nail grows, move towards its outer edge.

Dimples or indentations in the nails

Dimples or small indentations in the surface of the nails may be a sign of any of the following disorders:

• psoriasis

• eczema is a long-term skin condition that causes itching, redness, dryness and cracking;

• reactive arthritis ;

• alopecia areata is a disease that causes temporary bald spots on the head that are approximately the size of a large coin.

What to do if the nails have changed

If you discover changes in your color, shape, thickness or texture of your nails , you should not self-medicate. The first thing to do is to make an appointment with a dermatologist for diagnostics and laboratory tests. Often, external, at first glance, aesthetic changes can indicate deeper problems and even serious diseases.