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Nail problem pictures. Common Nail Problems: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Explained

What are the most common nail problems. How can you identify nail diseases. What treatments are available for various nail conditions. How do nail problems impact overall health. When should you see a doctor for nail issues.

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Understanding Nail Fungus: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a prevalent infection that affects both fingernails and toenails. This condition typically begins as a white or yellow-brown spot beneath the nail. As the infection progresses, it can cause the nail to:

  • Discolor
  • Thicken
  • Become brittle
  • Crumble at the edges

Onychomycosis can affect multiple nails simultaneously, leading to discomfort and cosmetic concerns. What causes nail fungus? Several factors contribute to its development, including:

  • Warm, moist environments
  • Poor hygiene
  • Weakened immune system
  • Frequent exposure to water
  • Tight-fitting shoes

How is nail fungus treated? Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the infection:

  1. Topical antifungal medications
  2. Oral antifungal drugs
  3. Laser therapy
  4. Nail removal in severe cases

Can nail fungus be prevented? Adopting good hygiene practices and maintaining dry feet can significantly reduce the risk of developing nail fungus. These preventive measures include:

  • Keeping nails clean and dry
  • Wearing breathable footwear
  • Using antifungal sprays or powders
  • Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas

Nail Clubbing: A Sign of Underlying Health Issues

Nail clubbing is a condition characterized by changes in the shape and appearance of nails. It often serves as an indicator of various underlying health problems. How does nail clubbing manifest? The primary signs include:

  • Enlarged fingertips
  • Increased curvature of the nails
  • Softening of the nail bed
  • Nails appearing to “float” instead of being firmly attached

What causes nail clubbing? This condition is often associated with serious health issues, such as:

  • Lung diseases (e.g., lung cancer, cystic fibrosis)
  • Heart conditions
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Liver diseases

Is nail clubbing reversible? The reversibility of nail clubbing depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, treating the primary condition can lead to improvement in nail appearance. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Decoding White Spots on Nails: Leukonychia Explained

White spots on nails, medically termed Leukonychia, are a common occurrence that can be caused by various factors. What exactly is Leukonychia? It’s a condition characterized by white discoloration appearing on one or more nails. The spots can vary in size and shape, ranging from small dots to larger patches.

What causes white spots on nails? Several factors can contribute to the development of Leukonychia:

  • Minor trauma or injury to the nail
  • Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., zinc, calcium)
  • Allergic reactions
  • Fungal infections
  • Underlying health conditions (e.g., kidney disease, liver problems)

Are white spots on nails a cause for concern? In most cases, white spots are harmless and will grow out with the nail. However, if the spots persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

How can white spots on nails be treated? Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  • For nutritional deficiencies: Dietary changes or supplements
  • For fungal infections: Antifungal medications
  • For allergic reactions: Identifying and avoiding triggers

Can white spots on nails be prevented? While not all causes can be prevented, maintaining good nail hygiene and a balanced diet can help reduce the likelihood of developing white spots.

Nail Splitting: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Strategies

Nail splitting, also known as Onychoschizia, is a condition where nails become brittle, soft, and prone to splitting. This issue can affect both fingernails and toenails, causing discomfort and cosmetic concerns. What are the primary causes of nail splitting?

  • Frequent exposure to water and harsh chemicals
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Aging
  • Underlying health conditions
  • Trauma or injury to the nails

How can nail splitting be prevented? Implementing the following strategies can help maintain nail health and prevent splitting:

  1. Wear gloves when doing household chores or working with water
  2. Keep nails moisturized with hand cream or cuticle oil
  3. Maintain a balanced diet rich in biotin, iron, and other essential nutrients
  4. Avoid using harsh nail products or frequent nail polish changes
  5. Trim nails regularly and file them in one direction

What treatments are available for nail splitting? Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options may include:

  • Topical treatments to strengthen nails
  • Oral supplements to address nutritional deficiencies
  • Avoiding triggers that cause nail damage
  • In severe cases, consultation with a dermatologist or nail specialist

Is nail splitting a sign of a more serious condition? While often benign, persistent nail splitting can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if the problem persists or worsens despite home remedies.

Nail Psoriasis: Understanding this Autoimmune Condition

Nail psoriasis is a manifestation of psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that affects the skin and nails. When psoriasis impacts the nails on fingers and toes, it’s specifically referred to as nail psoriasis. What are the key characteristics of nail psoriasis?

  • Discoloration of nails (yellow, red, pink, or brown)
  • Development of pits or dents in the nail
  • Horizontal grooves across the nail
  • Thickening of the nail
  • Separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)

How is nail psoriasis diagnosed? Diagnosis typically involves:

  1. Physical examination of the nails
  2. Review of medical history
  3. In some cases, nail biopsy

What treatment options are available for nail psoriasis? Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and slow down the rapid growth of skin cells. Options include:

  • Topical treatments (corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues)
  • Systemic medications for severe cases
  • Light therapy
  • Lifestyle modifications to reduce triggers

Can nail psoriasis be cured? While there’s no cure for psoriasis, proper treatment can help manage symptoms and improve nail appearance. It’s essential to work closely with a dermatologist to develop an effective treatment plan.

Ingrown Toenails: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches

Ingrown toenails, medically known as onychocryptosis, occur when the edge of a toenail grows into the surrounding skin. This condition can cause pain, inflammation, and in some cases, infection. What factors contribute to the development of ingrown toenails?

  • Improper nail trimming techniques
  • Tight-fitting shoes
  • Injury to the toe
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Repetitive trauma (e.g., from sports activities)

How can ingrown toenails be prevented? Adopting proper foot care habits can significantly reduce the risk of developing ingrown toenails:

  1. Trim nails straight across, avoiding rounded edges
  2. Wear shoes that provide adequate room for toes
  3. Keep feet clean and dry
  4. Avoid cutting nails too short

What treatment options are available for ingrown toenails? Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition:

  • Home remedies (soaking feet, gently lifting the nail edge)
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers and topical antibiotics
  • Partial nail removal for recurrent cases
  • Complete nail removal for severe or chronic cases

When should you seek medical attention for an ingrown toenail? It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if:

  • Pain is severe or persistent
  • Signs of infection are present (redness, swelling, pus)
  • You have diabetes or poor circulation
  • Home remedies fail to improve the condition

Curved Nails: Understanding Involuted Nails and Their Impact

Curved nails, also known as involuted nails, are characterized by an abnormally high curvature of the nail plate. In severe cases, the edges of the nail may curl inward, potentially causing pain and discomfort. What factors contribute to the development of curved nails?

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Ill-fitting shoes
  • Improper nail care techniques
  • Trauma or injury to the nail
  • Certain medical conditions

How do curved nails impact foot health? Involuted nails can lead to various complications:

  1. Increased risk of ingrown toenails
  2. Pain and discomfort while walking
  3. Difficulty wearing certain types of shoes
  4. Increased susceptibility to nail infections

What treatment options are available for curved nails? Managing involuted nails often involves a combination of approaches:

  • Regular professional nail care
  • Use of orthotic devices to redistribute pressure
  • In severe cases, surgical correction may be necessary
  • Proper shoe selection to accommodate the nail’s shape

Can curved nails be prevented? While genetic factors may play a role, certain preventive measures can help:

  • Wearing properly fitting shoes
  • Practicing good nail hygiene
  • Avoiding trauma to the nails
  • Seeking early treatment for any nail abnormalities

The Importance of Professional Nail Care

For individuals experiencing nail problems, it’s crucial to seek professional care. Podiatrists and dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating various nail conditions. Why is professional nail care important?

  • Accurate diagnosis of underlying causes
  • Customized treatment plans
  • Prevention of complications
  • Expert advice on nail health maintenance

When should you consult a professional for nail issues? Consider seeking medical attention if:

  • Nail problems persist or worsen despite home care
  • You have diabetes or circulatory issues
  • There are signs of infection or severe pain
  • You notice sudden changes in nail appearance or texture

By understanding common nail problems and seeking appropriate care, individuals can maintain healthy nails and potentially identify underlying health issues early. Remember, your nails can be important indicators of your overall health, so it’s essential to pay attention to any changes and seek professional advice when needed.

Nail Problems in Pictures | TheHealthSite.com

Less likely to catch our attention, our nails also speak a lot about our health. Hence, it is always a good idea to keep checking on our nail health from time to time

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Nail-psoriasis

Less likely to catch our attention, our nails also speak a lot about our health. While for most of us, they are no more than an accessory part of the body. In truth, they are covert messengers which keep us informed of any unpleasant changes in the body. Hence, it is always a good idea to keep checking on our nail health from time to time.
Here are few nail conditions that may need attention

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Nail Fungus

It is a common infection affecting nails. The condition is also called onychomycosis. It usually starts as a white or yellow-brown spot under the fingernail. As the infection goes deeper, the nail might start to lose colour, thicken and crumble at the edge. The condition can affect many nails at a time. If the infection is painful and has caused thickened nails, then medication can be taken. Also Read – You Can Avoid Infertility By Embracing Natural Eating Habits And A Healthy Lifestyle: Expert

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Nail Clubbing

It is a common infection affecting nails. The condition is also called onychomycosis. It usually starts as a white or yellow-brown spot under the fingernail. As the infection goes deeper, the nail might start to lose colour, thicken and crumble at the edge. The condition can affect many nails at a time. If the infection is painful and has caused thickened nails, then medication can be taken.

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White Spots On Nail

The medical term for this condition is Leukonychia. It is called so because of the white discoloration appearing on nails. White spots can be seen on the nail. The condition can be caused by many factors including anemia, scarring of the liver, kidney disease, zinc deficiency, problems with digestion of proteins and others. Even day to day nail injuries can also result in white spots Also Read – These Asanas Can Help You Get Rid Of Stubborn Belly Fat

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Nail Splitting

Brittle splitting nails or Onychoschizia is a condition where nails become brittle, soft and splitting. One reason for the condition could be frequently wetting and drying the nails. Other causes may be iron deficiency, physical stress, nutrient deficiency and other health conditions. Among the most prominent symptom is that nails will break very easily. One can see a single horizontal split or multiple splits growing from nail edges

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Nail Psoriasis

Nail Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin cells to reproduce rapidly. Psoriasis when affects your nails on your fingers and toes, it is then called as nail psoriasis. Among the prominent symptoms is discoloration of nails where one can see nail bed changing colours to yellow, red, pink or brown. The person can also develop dents or pits in the nail. One can also develop grooves that run horizontally across the nail. These symptoms may result in tenderness and pain Also Read – Crying Can Better Your Mental State!

Nail Problems – Podantics Podiatry Adelaide

Nail Problems of the feet

Deformities and diseases of the nails are fairly common and are referred to as onychosis. It is generally recommended that people with such nail problems should avoid pedicures by beauty therapists unless they have been advised otherwise by a podiatrist or doctor.

Some of the most common nail complaints seen include:

Ingrown toenails

Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenails) is where a small nail spike or tear on the side of the nail pierces the skin leading to pain and infection. This normally occurs along the sides of the nails from improper nail cutting techniques or trauma. See Photos
> Ingrown Toenails
> Ingrown Toenail Surgery

 Curved Nails

Involuted nails have a higher curvature of the nail than usual. In some cases the curvature of the nail is so severe that the tip of the nail culrs around in a circle leading to pinching of the skin causing pain, discomfort, and infection.
Involuted nails are often painful and can develop into ingrown nails. The tendency for involuted nails often runs in families. Ill-fitting shoes and incorrect nail cutting, particularly cutting down the sides of the nails can aggravate involuted nails.

Onychophosis

Onychophosis is a growth of the horny epithelium in the nail. This often causes a build up of “dead skin” under and around the nail.

Nail Fungus

Onychomycosis (tinea unguium) is another name for a fungal infection of the toe nails (toenail fungus). This infection is contagious and will often travel from the skin to the nail especial after a trauma has occurred to the nail bed. It can result in discoloration, thickening, chalkiness or crumbling of the nails. Fungal infections in the nails can take on a number of appearances and should be assessed by a podiatrist. It is also important to note, however, that nail scrapings are not always accurate way to diagnose onychomycosis.
> Fungal Nails

Thickened Nails

Onychogryphosis (ram’s horn nails) is a general thickening of the nail/nails. It can often occur as a result of injury to the matrix such as dropping a brick on a toe, long term neglect (especially elongated nails), or a number of repetitive  knocks such as those that occur with continuous use of poor fitting shoe wear. In addition to increased thickness and curvature of then nail, it may also become discolored with a brown tinge and may grow more quickly of one side than the other. When nails get too thick to cut, you may need regular nail care from a podiatrist to reduce the thickness of the nails and to help trim them back as required.

Nail Stains

Nail polish, chemicals and tobacco can all stain the nails. Nail stains are easy to distinguish between other conditions as the staining will grow out with the nail if the ofending cause is illiminated.
In many cases you may be able to remove the stain it if is limited to the surface of the nails by buffing it off with a nail file. In other cases a small amount of lemmon juice rubbed into the nail may also be effective. The stains in this photo were caused by Potassium permanganate

Lifting of the Nail

Onycholysis is the painless separation of the nail from the nail bed. Onycholysis can occur in response to illness, prolonged water exposure, skin diseases such as psoriasis, irritation from chemicals including alcohol, shellac, or nail beauty products, infections such as a tinea (onychomycosis), sunburn in photosensitive people, or the result of injury or repetitive trauma and irritation such as from tight shoes or high heels. In the event of all the nails being affected it can be a sign of iron deficiency or thyroid over-activity. It is also a complication of chemotherapy. Onycholysis should always be tended to as the loose portion of the nail can become a hive of activity for fungal, bacterial or yeast infections which will inhibit the nail from reattaching.

 

Onychia is an infection of the matrix (the base of the nail) which often results in pus and lifting of the nail, as well as pain, redness and swelling.

Onychodystrophy is a deformity of the toenails that occurs with chemotherapy (bleomycin, hydroxyurea, or 5-fluorouracil). It can also be accompanied by a discoloration (dyschromia) of the nails, and onychomadesis (see below)

Onychomadesis is the complete separation of a nail from the nail bed. This often occurs after trauma or infection to the base of the nail (the matrix) and has been also known to occur as a side effect to chemotherapy, x-ray treatments and severe systemic illness. The good news is that once the cause is removed, a new nail will often regrow in the old ones place. The bad news, however, is that changes to the new nail may occur such as onychogryphosis and may be accompanied by onychomycosis.

Onychoptosis is the loss of either a part or all of either one or more nails. This can occur following a diseases such as syphilis, fever, trauma or in response to certain medications.

Paronychia is an infection (bacterial or fungal) in the cuticle -the area where the area where the skin and nail meets. Paronychia causes pain, swelling and redness around the nail edge and occur suddenly or gradually over time.

Kolionychia (spoon shaped nails) is when the nail curves upwards to form a spoon like appearance so that if drop of water were placed on the nail it would be held in place such as it would in a spoon. It often occurs in response to an iron deficiency and will often progress from brittle nails.

Subungual Haematoma: A blood blister or bruising under then nail that occurs after an knock or from a number of little knocks to the nail area. improper shoe wear. Common causes of large knocks include dropping things on the foot, kicking things and having your foot trampled on. Examples of repetitive smaller knocks include tight shoes or skiing.

Yellow Nail Syndrome: Yellow discolouration of all of the nails across the entire nail bed that does not grow out with time unlike staining from nail polish.

Nail Polish Stains: If you wear dark polish regularly, you could develop stained nails. Skip the polish for a month and rub lemon juice onto them. If this doesn’t do the trick, there maybe something else going on. Nails will only Stain where they have have been exposed to the polish and as such the color should grow out or disappear within a few months of not using polish.

Note: If you are suffering from any of these conditions it might be worth seeking the advice from a podiatrist.

My Nail Have Changed, What might this mean?

In many cases, small changes to the nails are fairly harmless. Below is a list of SOME of the causes behind commonly seen nail changes that may occur.

Brittleness, Pliability and strength in the nails

  • Brittleness is often associated with excess use of nail polish and removers, iron deficiency, thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, circulation problems, and biotin deficiency or fungal nails.
  • Splitting and fraying may be associated with psoriasis and deficiencies of folic acid, protein and Vitamin C.
  • Unusual thickness is often associated with circulation problems, a history of trauma (onychogryphosis) and onychomycosis (fungal nails).
  • Thinning nails and itchy skin may be associated with lichen planus.

Changes in shape and texture

  • Clubbing, or nails that curve down excessively around the fingertips is often associated with oxygen deprivation and lung, heart, or liver disease.
  • Spooning (kolionychia – see above) or nails that grow upwards is often associated with iron or B12 deficiency.
  • Pitting of the nails is associated with Psoriasis or trauma
  • Grooves along the nail are often associated with kidney disorders, aging, and iron deficiency.
  • Beading is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Ridges across the nail (Beau’s lines) may indicate stress or a period of sickness where the nail has slowed or ceased growth for a short time.
  • Flatness can indicate a B12 vitamin deficiency or Raynaud’s Disease.
  • Excessive ridges along the nail are often associated with arthritis.
  • Short small beds are often associated with heart disease, but are usually just genetic.

Discoloration of entire nail bed

  • Paleness or whitening is often associated with the cold, or with liver disease, kidney disease or anemia.
  • Yellowing of the nail bed may associated with staining, chronic bronchitis, yellow nail syndrome, lymphatic problems, diabetes, or liver disorders.
  • Brown or copper nail beds are associated with arsenic or copper poisoning, local fungal infections or staining such as from tobacco
  • Grey nail beds are often associated with arthritis, edema, malnutrition, post-operative effects, glaucoma or cardio-pulmonary disease. 
  • Blue nail beds are (much like blue skin) associated with poor oxygenation of the blood or cold temperatures. Such causes of decreased oxygenation may include asthma, emphysema, peripheral vascular disease, or cold feet such as that from Raynaud’s Disease
  • Redness is associated with heart conditions, infection, irritation or simply just warm toes.

Other Colour changes

  • Yellow or Brown toe nails: The most common cause of yellow discoloration in the toenails is a fungal infection. The fungus often develops underneath the nail in the nail bed, resulting in it becoming thick, raised, and yellow in color. These nails may also have an odour when cut.
  • Other potential causes for yellow discoloration of the nail include diabetes mellitus and lymphedema (chronic leg swelling). Yellow staining of the nails can also occur in individuals who use nail polish or tan their legs. Stains of the nail plate (not the nail bed) can also occure with discolouration smoking, or henna use. A stained nail may take several months to grow out.
  • Small white patches are known as leukonychia punctata.
  • Terry’s nails are opaque white nails with a dark band at the fingertip, and often associated with cancer, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, diabetes and aging.
  • White lines across the nail (leukonychia striata, or transverse leukonychia) may be Mee’s lines or Muehrcke’s lines
  • Melanoychia (longitudinal streaking that darkens or does not grow out), especially on the thumb or big toe, is usually fairly harmless however in some cases it may indicate subungual melanoma and should always be checked out with a health care professional.
  • Dark nails maybe  associated with B12 deficiency .
  • Red skin at the base of the nail may be associated with infection (paronychia- as above) or connective tissue disorders.

Changes in lunulae (the moon shape under the nails)

  • Blue lunulae is often associated with silver poisoning or lung disorder.
  • Receded lunulae (fewer than 8) may be associated with poor circulation, shallow breathing habits or thyroid mysfunction, however in many people thats just the way their nails are.
  • Large lunulae (more than 25% of the thumb nail) are often associated with high blood pressure.

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  – Fungal Nails
 – Ingrown toenails
 – Common Skin Problems
 – Podiatrist
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Foot Conditions – Sports – Diabetic Feet – Childrens Feet – Pedicures
Hyde Park Podiatry – Magill Podiatry

Foot and nail treatment at Reforma Clinic

Just think about it: every day we take 2-6 thousand steps. It is not surprising that any prosthesis in such conditions must be changed every three years … And our feet serve us until death – they do not wear out, do not wear out. And at the same time, few can say with certainty that he properly cares for them. Hence – cracks, calluses and ingrown nails. And even after that, we are not ready to admit that our feet in many cases need treatment, not care! And to understand that a hastily done home pedicure cannot be a salvation from an ingrown nail. The clinic “Reforma” employs a professional experienced podiatrist of international class.

Podiatrist services at Reforma Clinic

Pedicure can be preventive if you don’t have nail problems, or curative if you have any – and in any case, it is necessary. We started with a pedicure as the simplest and most popular procedure. However, our doctor would be worthless if he did only this.

  • Firstly, a podiatrist is your unique chance to notice problems associated with nails and feet in time. It can be a mycologist, orthopedist or phlebologist, the main thing is that you will begin to solve a problem that you might not have suspected existed.
  • Secondly, if the diagnosis has already been made, only a podiatrist knows how to provide proper care for the feet and not worsen their condition.

Podiatrist services at Reforma clinic

Podiatrist at Reforma clinic solves many problems.

  • Ingrown nails
  • Fraser staples, 3TO staples and the Podofix system are used to correct them, and in 99% of cases this helps to avoid surgical intervention. How do you deal with ingrown nails? Do you trim with scissors every month along the entire edge? By doing so, you only exacerbate the problem.

  • Corns
  • Corns are different. Some of them “sprout” so deeply that they press on the bone, causing suffering. To remove them, cutters and grinding stones with diamond coating are used, which act effectively and do not damage the skin. Unfortunately, even here many people prefer to simply pick them out with scissors at home, bringing the infection inside and disfiguring the appearance of the legs. And they appear again and again! And the reason may be the wrong setting of the foot, which the podiatrist will immediately see. He will develop an orthosis for you – a corrector that will protect vulnerabilities from friction, and there will be no more corns.

  • Cracks
  • Painful and sometimes even bleeding cracks occur due to hyperkeratosis – excessive keratinization of the skin, which no one really followed. Here, both treatment and care are needed, and in some cases, special liners for interdigital zones, cracks in which occur no less than on the heels.

If you have problems with nails and feet, sign up for a consultation at the Reforma clinic right now! At the same time, the consultation will be free if you decide to have the procedure immediately after it. And the advice of a podiatrist that you receive can be invaluable in the long run.

Contraindications

  • Children’s age

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Diseases of the nail plates in children

Diseases of the nail plates in children – Virilis

  • Doctor advises
  • Blog editor-in-chief

Most often, nail disease is associated with a fungal infection of the nail plates. And if we talk about children, then the question always arises about the possibility of this – says the doctor-dermatovenereologist Germer Anna Mikhailovna of the children’s medical center “Mamarada”


Let’s figure it out.

  • Firstly, the nail plates can suffer in different age periods. And the cub of the first year of life may have problems with nails.
  • Secondly, nail diseases can be congenital or acquired.
  • Thirdly, bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. can cause all these troubles, as well as changes in nails can be associated with various diseases of internal organs.

And now, based on this, we understand that nail problems can occur in childhood, but they are not so common. Which is good.

Now let’s talk in more detail.

Let’s deal with congenital nail damage.

This is a rather rare pathology and it is associated, most often, with disorders in the body of the fetus even in the prenatal period. Or the defect can be passed on genetically from parents to children. In some diseases, there are several syndromes at once, including damage to the nail plate. For example, congenital pathology in Yadasson-Lewandowski syndrome. The defeat will be not only the nail plates, but also the bone apparatus, skin, vision and other organs. But, fortunately, this happens very rarely.

More common is ingrown nail plates, due to the irregular shape of the nail.

A more urgent problem is acquired nail diseases, and here there are already many options.

Traumatization of the nail

  • For example, a bruise, after which we see a hematoma (accumulation of blood under the nail plate), which gradually changes its color from black-blue to yellow, and with the growth of the nail it also lengthens in the form of colored stripes. As a result, you can even be left without a nail plate with severe damage. But most importantly, we need to protect the matrix, if we damage it, then we will not see a beautiful and healthy nail. The matrix is ​​located at the base of the nail and hides under the skin and cuticle.
  • Another problem of nail injury is manicure, incorrect manicure. Let me remind you that our children are different from 0 to 17 years old, with requests for adulthood. Therefore, starting from the age of 10, we meet problem nails in children who do manicures on their own. Sawing off nail plates, applying low-quality coatings, improper removal of the cuticle, etc. What is the result: brittle nails, discoloration of the plate, damage to the periungual ridge (the one that surrounds the nail itself), up to the addition of a secondary infection …
  • And, probably, the scourge of all peoples and ages is nail biting. The free edge of the nail plate is damaged, the nails break during regrowth, and become thin. But more often they do not even have time to grow back, they are simply “eaten”, and at the same time the periungual ridges.

Onychodystrophy in various diseases of internal organs.

This beautiful word stands for damage to the nail. In the event of a disease of any organ, damage may also affect other organs and systems. That’s why doctors examine the patient completely, from head to toe. Nail plates change with various diseases: dermatitis, lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, various infectious diseases (including parasitic ones), beriberi, taking medications, etc. And with each disease, there is a change in the plate: it can be a splitting of the nail, transverse or longitudinal grooves, white blotches, a change in the color and shape of the nail, thickening, etc.

Infections affecting the nail plate.

I have already written about secondary infection after an injury – an infection (viruses, bacteria or fungi) joins at the site of the hematoma. This is a very favorable environment for them to live and reproduce.

But there are microtraumas that are invisible to the eye, when an infectious agent easily penetrates, causing a disease. And the most common disease is onychomycosis – a fungal infection of the nail plate.

What is needed for infection:

– the presence of a fungal agent on an object, floor, slippers, etc.

– reduced immunity. And the kids are weak.

– the presence of microtrauma. Not necessarily a scratch, a burr

is moisture. All mushrooms love warmth and moisture.

Now, putting it all together, we get: saunas and baths, solariums and beaches, dad’s slippers at home (dad has an untreated fungus) or just bare and sweaty feet. Where can you get infected? Everywhere.

Tumors, subungual

Yes, unfortunately, more and more statistics tell us about subungual melanoma in childhood. Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that develops rapidly, metastasizes and takes a person within a few months. Subungual melanoma is not so common, but it does occur and cannot be ignored at all.

In addition to melanoma, there may be various cysts and fibromas, but with a more favorable outcome.

So, the first thing to do: sit down and look at your baby’s nails, well, if with a magnifying glass. Shiny, even nails, pink with a hard free edge, uniform with a beautiful periungual roller – this is how it should be.

If there are any changes, please contact a specialist. To which?

TO DERMATOLOGIST. All lesions on the skin and skin appendages (hair and nails) are treated by a dermatologist. Depending on the skin lesion, an examination will be prescribed (remember that nail diseases are often a symptom of a disease), and then treatment.

I will not talk about treatment, it is individual. But I can give a few recommendations for the prevention of certain nail diseases:

  • As for children’s manicure: the cub should have its own set, the nails should be treated by an adult, observing the rules of asepsis and antisepsis (disinfection of the instrument), or better, a master in special conditions. The coating must be of high quality, hypoallergenic with preliminary preparation and protection of the nail itself.
  • The nail plate itself must be treated with oils or special products with vitamins. Any oils are suitable, but a remedy with vitamins, for example, Clavio or another professional lotion.
  • Nail biters need a manicure. Firstly, it would be a pity to spoil such beauty. Secondly, there will be nothing to bite (after all, it is dry skin and barbs that encourage you to bite off the protruding one). And if absolutely right, then you need a psychologist. There is a reason why a child bites his nails.
  • And yet, there is such a profession – a podiatrist – a specialist in problematic manicure. These masters are specially trained to work with ingrown nails, onychomycosis (fungal nail infection), diabetic nail problems, etc. They work with dermatologists to help solve serious nail problems.
  • If the legs are sweating, then you should also contact a dermatologist. Children’s funds are not enough to solve this problem, but they are. As well as wearing cotton socks, leather shoes. Change of shoes during the day. Personal towel, slippers, preferably non-rubber.
  • Dry hands need to be lubricated with cream, the nails will also get it, they will be grateful, less dry areas. Teach kids to use cream, especially girls.
  • Watch the arms and legs of your children, this is their health and your peace of mind.