What are the most common nail disorders and diseases. How can you identify different nail conditions. What treatments are available for various nail problems. How do nail disorders impact overall health.

Understanding the Anatomy of Nails and Their Importance

Nails are more than just decorative features on our fingers and toes. They serve important functions and can provide valuable insights into our overall health. The nail structure consists of several parts, including the nail plate, nail bed, matrix, and surrounding skin. Each component plays a crucial role in nail growth and health.

Why are healthy nails important? Nails protect the sensitive tips of our fingers and toes, enhance fine motor skills, and can be indicators of various health conditions. Changes in nail appearance, texture, or growth can often be early signs of underlying medical issues.

Key Components of Nail Anatomy

• Nail plate: The visible part of the nail
• Nail bed: The skin beneath the nail plate
• Matrix: The area where nail growth begins
• Cuticle: The protective skin at the base of the nail
• Lunula: The white, half-moon shape at the base of the nail

Common Nail Disorders: Symptoms and Causes

Nail disorders can manifest in various ways, affecting the appearance, texture, and growth of nails. Understanding these conditions is crucial for early detection and proper treatment. Here are some of the most prevalent nail disorders:

Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection)

Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection that affects the nails, particularly toenails. It can cause discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nail. What causes onychomycosis? The infection is typically caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or molds. Risk factors include warm, moist environments, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system.

Psoriasis of the Nails

Nail psoriasis is a manifestation of the skin condition psoriasis that affects the nails. It can cause pitting, discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed. How does psoriasis affect nails? The condition can lead to changes in nail color, texture, and shape, often causing discomfort and embarrassment for those affected.

Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail. It can be acute or chronic and is often characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. What causes paronychia? Acute paronychia is typically caused by bacteria, while chronic paronychia is often due to repeated irritation or fungal infection.

Nail Abnormalities as Indicators of Systemic Diseases

Nail changes can sometimes be the first sign of underlying health issues. Recognizing these changes can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of various systemic diseases.

Clubbing

Nail clubbing is characterized by enlarged fingertips and curved, rounded nails. It can be a sign of lung diseases, heart problems, or gastrointestinal disorders. How does clubbing occur? The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it’s believed to be related to changes in blood flow and connective tissue growth.

Beau’s Lines

Beau’s lines are horizontal depressions across the nails. They can indicate periods of stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies. What causes Beau’s lines? These lines form when nail growth is temporarily disrupted due to systemic stress or disease.

Terry’s Nails

Terry’s nails appear mostly white with a dark band at the tip. This condition can be associated with liver disease, kidney failure, or heart failure. How do Terry’s nails develop? The appearance is thought to be due to changes in blood supply to the nail bed.

Traumatic Nail Injuries and Their Management

Nail injuries are common and can range from minor bruising to complete nail loss. Proper management of these injuries is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper nail regrowth.

Subungual Hematoma

A subungual hematoma is a collection of blood under the nail, often caused by trauma. It can cause pain and pressure. How is a subungual hematoma treated? Minor cases may resolve on their own, but larger hematomas may require drainage to relieve pressure and prevent nail loss.

Nail Avulsion

Nail avulsion refers to the complete or partial separation of the nail from the nail bed. It can be caused by severe trauma or certain medical procedures. What is the recovery process for nail avulsion? Proper wound care is essential, and complete nail regrowth can take several months.

Cosmetic Nail Conditions and Their Impact

While not always medically significant, cosmetic nail conditions can have a substantial impact on an individual’s self-esteem and quality of life.

Onychoschizia (Splitting Nails)

Onychoschizia is characterized by horizontal splits or layers in the nails. It can be caused by frequent wetting and drying of the nails or exposure to harsh chemicals. How can splitting nails be prevented? Keeping nails moisturized and avoiding excessive exposure to water and harsh substances can help prevent this condition.

Leukonychia

Leukonychia refers to white spots or lines on the nails. It’s usually harmless and can be caused by minor injuries to the nail matrix. Are white spots on nails always a cause for concern? In most cases, leukonychia is benign and will grow out with the nail.

Nail Tumors: Benign and Malignant

Tumors can develop in and around the nails, ranging from benign growths to malignant cancers. Early detection and proper diagnosis are crucial for appropriate treatment.

Digital Myxoid Cyst

Digital myxoid cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs that typically occur near the nail fold. They can cause grooves or depressions in the nail plate. How are digital myxoid cysts treated? Treatment options include observation, aspiration, surgical excision, or cryotherapy.

Subungual Melanoma

Subungual melanoma is a rare but serious form of skin cancer that occurs under the nail. It often appears as a dark streak in the nail. Why is early detection of subungual melanoma important? Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the prognosis for this aggressive form of cancer.

Treatment Options for Nail Disorders

The treatment of nail disorders varies depending on the specific condition, its severity, and any underlying causes. Here are some common treatment approaches:

Topical Treatments

Many nail conditions can be treated with topical medications applied directly to the nail or surrounding skin. These may include antifungal creams, corticosteroids, or antibiotics. How effective are topical treatments for nail disorders? While they can be highly effective for certain conditions, some deep-seated nail infections may require systemic treatment.

Oral Medications

Systemic treatments in the form of oral medications are often necessary for more severe or persistent nail disorders. These may include antifungal pills, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants. When are oral medications preferred over topical treatments? Oral medications are typically used when topical treatments have failed or for conditions that affect the nail matrix or nail bed.

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to treat nail disorders. This can range from simple nail avulsion to more complex reconstructive procedures. What are the risks associated with nail surgery? As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of infection, bleeding, and improper healing. However, these risks are generally low when performed by experienced professionals.

Prevention and Maintenance of Healthy Nails

Maintaining healthy nails is an important aspect of overall health and can help prevent many common nail disorders. Here are some tips for keeping your nails in top condition:

• Keep nails clean and dry to prevent fungal infections
• Trim nails regularly and file them in one direction to prevent splitting
• Avoid biting nails or picking at the cuticles
• Wear protective gloves when working with water or chemicals
• Eat a balanced diet rich in biotin, protein, and other nutrients essential for nail health
• Moisturize your nails and cuticles regularly
• Avoid using your nails as tools to prevent damage

Can diet impact nail health? Yes, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can significantly improve nail strength and overall health. Nutrients like biotin, iron, and protein are particularly important for nail health.

Nail disorders and diseases encompass a wide range of conditions that can affect the appearance, structure, and function of nails. From common issues like fungal infections to more serious conditions like subungual melanoma, understanding these disorders is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of various nail conditions, seeking timely medical attention, and practicing good nail hygiene, individuals can ensure the health and beauty of their nails. Remember, healthy nails are not just a cosmetic concern – they can be important indicators of your overall health status.

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Acrocyanosis

Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau

Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau

Antisynthetase syndrome

Beau lines

Candida onychomycosis

Nail clubbing associated with lung cancer

Nail clubbing associated with lung cancer

Clubbing of the fingers

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Darier nail

Darier nail

Darier disease

Dermatomyositis of the nail fold

Digital myxoid cyst

Digital myxoid cyst

Digital myxoid cyst, toenail

Digital myxoid cyst

Fusarium infection of the toenail

Intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma

Koenen tumor in tuberous sclerosis

Lentigo simplex of the nail

Lichen planus

Median canaliform dystrophy of Heller

Median canaliform nail dystrophy of Heller

Mixed connective tissue disease

Nail fold capillary telangiectasia

Nail patella syndrome

Onychomycosis, toenail

Onychomycosis, toenail

Pincer nail

Psoriatic nail dystrophy

Psoriatic nail dystrophy

Psoriatic nail dystrophy

Scabies, foot

Subungual wart

Subungual haematoma, toenail

Subungual exostosis

Terry nails

Terry nail

Tinea unguium, toenails

Trauma, toenail

Pincer nail

Twenty nail dystrophy

Twenty nail dystrophy

Yellow nails

Psoriatic nail dystrophy

Psoriatic nail dystrophy

Psoriatic nail dystrophy

On DermNet NZ

Nail disorders

Top 10 Most Common Nail Diseases & Disorders

Did you know that Podiatrists can tell a lot about your general health just by assessing your nails? Nails can change in colour, shape and strength based on your overall health and wellbeing.

Taking care of your nails is not just a regular cut and file but can involve a more holistic approach. Here are some common nail conditions that we see regularly:

1. Nail Clubbing 

Nail clubbing occurs as the end portion of the nail raises up and rounds out. This occurs gradually over time. As a result, the tip of the finger or toe appears swollen and rounded. The bed beneath the nail may not support the nail as firmly, causing the nail to be looser and to spring almost like a sponge when pressed.

Nail clubbing can be a sign of:

• Pulmonary Disease
• Cardiac Disease
• Systemic Disorder 

2. Hangnails

Hangnails are more common in fingernails than toenails and occur when the skin along the edge of the nail tears or is otherwise damaged. Sometimes this causes bleeding and can cause persistent, low-grade pain. This needs to be addressed to reduce further pain and reduce the risk of infection.

3. Ingrown Toenail

This is more common in the toenails than the fingernails. An ingrown nail can occur for many reasons the most common being picking or tearing the nail or poor cutting technique. This leaves a spike on the side of the nail which then ingrown into the soft tissue causing infection and pain. Ingrown toenails can also occur due to some medications and some medical conditions.

4. Splitting or Peeling nails

Split or peeling nails occur when the nails are too dry and brittle. This can be caused by a vast array of issues including:

• Immersing and then drying hands frequently
• Waterless handwash
• Nail Polish and acetone-based removers
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Medications
• Medical conditions

5. Nail Psoriasis

Caused by an overactive immune system, psoriasis can affect your nails and create changes in the colour, thickness, and surface of your nails. You may notice pitting or depressions in your nails.

6. Yellow Discoloured Nails

More common in the toenails, discolouration that appears to be yellow is generally the result of an underlying medical condition. There are many treatments for yellowed nail issues since they are quite common.

Yellow nails can be caused by:

• Leaving nail polish on too long
• Fungal infections
• Diabetes
• Medications
• Weakened Immune System
• Circulation Problems

7. Beau’s Lines

Beau’s lines are linear depressions in the nails that run horizontally and move up from the base of the nail as it grows outward. You can measure how long the lines have been there based on how far up the nail they are.

Common underlying disorders for Beau’s lines include:

• Malnutrition
• Liver Disease
• Heart Attack
• Poorly Managed Metabolic Process (like Diabetes)

8. Nail Fungus

Many people have nail fungus at least once in their lifetime. Fungus is naturally found in our body and requires the optimum environment for it to become an infection. Fungus loves dark and damp environments for it to thrive. 

Nail Fungi are very resistant and difficult to resolve. Depending on the amount of nail involvement it can take 6-12 months to resolve. Like bacteria, there are many different types of fungus and therefore not one treatment will work for every infection. There are many treatment options available including topical, oral, and laser therapies. A Podiatrist is qualified to assess the infection and advise on the appropriate treatment for your specific infection.

9. Onycholysis

Onycholysis is when the nail separates from the nail bed, raising itself up away from the toe or finger. This can occur for a variety of reasons:

• Trauma
• High chemical nail polish
• Fungal infection
• Psoriasis
• Medications
• Chemotherapy

10. Nails beds with a blue tinge

Any discolouration of the nail is a hint that something isn’t quite right. Nails begin to appear bluish when there are issues in the blood or in the circulatory system. Your ProMed Podiatrist is highly skilled and trained to not only assess the nail issue but can perform a thorough vascular assessment to diagnose circulation issues of the foot.

Our highly skilled Podiatrists can provide a holistic assessment of your nail concerns as well as provide a tailored treatment plan to assist your nail health but more importantly your overall health and wellbeing.

Call our friendly ProMed team today to book your appointment on 55221230 or book online.

Diseases and treatment of nails effectively at home

Defects and problems of nails can seriously affect a person’s well-being and confidence. The article is designed to help in a timely manner to recognize the symptoms of diseases, their causes, and reduce the risk of consequences. You will also learn effective techniques and remedies for the treatment of fungal and other diseases of the nails of the hands and feet at home.

Beautiful nails at any age are possible

Signs of healthy nails are:

• Smooth soft pink,
• Uniformly smooth and transparent surface,
• Elasticity and elasticity of the plate,
• Normal growth.

In addition, healthy fingernails presuppose the absence of lesions in the periungual cuticle zone.

What to do to keep your nails healthy

Keeping your nails healthy requires simple but regular care:

• Trim your nails regularly to help keep them clean, reducing the risk of infection.
• Protect your hands from harsh products: use rubber gloves and avoid latex gloves as they can irritate sensitive skin.
• Use a moisturizer to help prevent excessive dryness of hands, feet and nails.
• Avoid picking your nails: this can lead to infection.

Major nail diseases

All nail diseases can be divided into four major groups due to:

• Problems with nutrition and absorption of nutrients.
• Infection.
• Mechanical or chemical damage to hands and nails.
• Acquired or chronic disease of the body.

The difficulty in the treatment of nails is connected with the accuracy of diagnosis: the same external defect can have different causes…

Quite often it is not easy to determine why this or that problem with nails has arisen. For example, the cause of detachment of the nail (onycholysis) may be:

• infection,
• nail injury,
• nail products,
• psoriasis,
• diseases of the thyroid gland.

Home remedies

At home, you can easily influence the structure and appearance of nails by following the rules of a balanced diet and performing cosmetic nail care measures.

Proper Diet for Healthy Nails

Nails are composed primarily of keratin protein. Therefore, the amount of protein consumed is vital for maintaining strong nails.

In case of iron deficiency or anemia, iron-rich foods such as red meat or spinach are recommended. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking iron supplements.

Getting enough water in the diet is essential for normal nail growth and development. Make sure that in the hot season, when sweating is more active, the amount of liquid is sufficient.

Cosmetics

Unscented thick moisturizing creams can help with dry hands and nails.

If the nail is more brittle, applying a clear coat of nail polish or other nail polish may help increase strength.

Treatment of nails and effective drugs

Defects and malformations of nails can be a sign of one or more diseases of a different nature, including bacterial and fungal infections, blood poisoning, poisoning, malnutrition, acquired and congenital diseases.

Nail treatment is a lengthy process that can take weeks to months. An examination by a specialist will help to make a correct diagnosis and exclude a lesion in the future. The doctor will advise the optimal medicine after a full diagnosis and anamnesis.

Diseases of nails and skin for a nail technician (with photo)

This article presents a list of the most common diseases and pathological conditions of the nail apparatus and skin.

Deviation of the appearance of the nails from the norm usually indicates the presence of nail disease. Lesions can be primary or secondary, that is, they are symptoms of diseases of the internal organs and skin. The same changes in appearance occur in different conditions. Also, changes may be associated with incorrect and unsafe work of the manicurist. In addition, diseases are divided into infectious and non-infectious. Nail technicians are only allowed to work with non-communicable diseases.

Masters with no medical education do not make a diagnosis on their own. But familiarity with the symptoms of nail lesions will allow you to suspect these diseases in clients and refer them to a doctor, as well as competently plan and predict your work.

Non-infectious nail diseases: changes in shape, size and condition (onychodystrophy)

Hippocratic nails

diseases are often deformed terminal the phalanges of the fingers (expand, resemble drumsticks) and with them the nail plates take on the appearance of watch glasses – they are convex, shiny, dense. It is also called “Hippocratic nails”. After recovery, these phenomena disappear.

Onychogryphosis

Nail plates are curved, look like a claw. The reasons for the appearance on the nails of the feet: long-term mechanical injuries when wearing narrow shoes, circulatory disorders of the lower extremities, onychomycosis. Often, onychogriffoses are called downward-growing, “pecking” fingernails. This condition is not a disease and occurs in almost every person on the index fingers, but it is manifested to varying degrees. An experienced craftsman can visually correct this defect using modeling materials.

Onyhauxis

The nail is thickened due to an increase in the subungual horny substance. Curvature, as a rule, does not happen. The nail plate itself is little changed. It occurs with eczema, psoriasis, inflammation of the nail folds and the nail bed, including those caused by fungi, that is, it is a concomitant symptom. Sometimes you can see on the feet on those fingers that experience the greatest mechanical stress due to uncomfortable shoes. In the event of this problem, do not overwear the resistant coating.

Micronychia

Small nails. It can be a congenital defect, accompany general diseases, but more often occurs in people who bite their nails. In such cases, the extension that covers the front roller helps: the artificial material is hard and hard, it is quite difficult to bite off it and the bad habit recedes for a while.

Koilonychia

The nail plate is concave in the form of a spoon. Common cause: prolonged exposure to acids, alkalis. The nails of 1-3 fingers of both hands are affected.

Beau-Reilly transverse furrows

They are the result of disturbances in the matrix during short-term exposure to injuries, general severe diseases (pneumonia, measles, hepatitis, etc.), as well as skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, pemphigus, etc.) .). Incorrectly performed manicure, in which trauma to the growth zone of the nail occurred, can also be the cause of this type of nail. Depending on the degree and depth of the lesion, it either passes in a short time, or (in the case of scarring of a part of the matrix) remains forever.

Longitudinal furrows

Observed in healthy people, more often in the elderly. They can also be a sign of lichen planus (which is extremely rare in today’s world). As a kind of this dystrophy – a deep furrow in the form of a channel.

Thimble or punctate nail

A typical change in psoriasis, but it can also be in other skin diseases, rheumatism, tuberculosis. It can also occur in healthy people.

Onycholysis

Separation of the nail plate from the nail bed from the side of the free edge. Sometimes lateral onycholysis also occurs, when only the side wall of the nail in the sinus is separated. Causes: psoriasis, eczema, intoxication, bacterial and fungal infections. Often the cause of temporary detachment can be an incorrectly performed hardware manicure, thermal and chemical burns when coated with resistant materials, or the use of roughly abrasive files in the wrong technique. It is forbidden to cover such nails with resistant materials, that is, gels, acrylic and gel polish. An experienced craftsman (podologist), if the client has a certificate of the absence of a fungus, can clean up, remove exfoliated areas and prosthetize them with a special gel for prosthetics (but not with any gel or acrygel for building).

Onychorrhexis

Longitudinal splitting of nails. Causes: endocrine diseases, psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, exposure to alkalis, solvents. Also found on dry, aged hands. You can strengthen such nails with hard materials and cover with gel polish.

Onychoschisis

Nail splitting in the transverse direction from the free edge. The main reasons: the action of solvents, alkalis, low-quality varnishes. It is also found in musicians with psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus.

Anonychia

Absence of nail plates. May be congenital or acquired. It is noted in psoriasis, mycosis. The nail bed in this condition is bumpy, red or gray, flaky. With the disappearance of the causes of anonychia, a normal nail grows.

Senile nail

Nail plate gray, dull, with longitudinal grooves, flaky, accompanied by onychogryphosis. Nail growth is slow. Changes occur as a result of a deterioration in blood circulation in the matrix and nail bed: the plate is drier and twists.

Pterygium

Overgrowth of the nail skin covering the entire nail. It may be a congenital feature of a person or the result of an injury to the growth zone.

Nail softening (hapalonychia)

Nails are easily knocked off, split. There is true hapalonychia as a result of endocrine disorders and acquired – from exposure to alkalis, acids, solvents.

Brittleness of nails

When working with petroleum products, alkalis and acids, poor quality manicure varnishes. It can also appear as a result of nail injury due to inept manicure, work with cheap tools and materials.

Non-infectious nail diseases: discoloration (onychodyschromia)

Primary nail discoloration

Associated with discoloration of the nail plate. Possible in connection with the use of medications or certain products. For example, the antimalarial drug agebrin can cause a bluish or yellow-green color, rezochin – bluish-black. If you overeat carrots, your nails may turn yellow. Also, the use of highly pigmented nail polishes can lead to staining of the nail plate.

Secondary nail discoloration

Occurs in the nail bed . The red-violet color of the nail is noted in people with heart disease, yellow – with liver diseases, bluish – with a lack of oxygen. White nails are observed with diseases of the adrenal glands, milky white – with cirrhosis of the liver, pale pink – with a low content of hemoglobin in the blood.

Leukonychia

Quite common condition of the nails in the form of white spots, dots or stripes on the plates. They occur due to air bubbles between the layers of the nail, bruises, or any other injury to the nail. And also due to insufficient keratinization of a separate group of onychoblasts, which can be caused by both trauma and internal causes. Also, a deficiency of iodine, zinc, copper can lead to the appearance of white spots. Leukonychia cannot be corrected, but gradually the affected areas are eliminated by themselves due to the natural growth of the nail.

Hemorrhage

When a nail is injured at the site of rupture of blood vessels, hemorrhages occur in the nail bed. Under the nail plate, in this case, a spot of dark purple, blue, and sometimes black color is visible, which, as the nail grows, moves forward until it disappears. This phenomenon often occurs after bruises. With an extensive outpouring, the nail may fall off, it is not recommended to cover it with gel polish.

Melanonychia

Appears as a black line under or within the nail plate that runs from the base of the nail to the free edge. In some cases, this strip can capture the entire nail plate. It appears due to the deposition of melanin in the nails. Typically, this occurs within the base of the matrix bed. When cells form the nail plate matrix, melanocytes stain it with melanin. As the nail plate grows towards the free edge, a dark band of melanin becomes visible. This disease occurs in many people with dark skin. It affects nearly 100% of African Americans over 50 years of age and approximately 15 to 20% of Japanese. In people of Caucasian nationality, cases of melanonychia are extremely rare. If melanonychia is observed, malignant melanoma may be present. Manicure services can be provided to clients with melanonychia.

Infectious diseases of the nails

Onychomycosis – fungal infection of the nail

With all changes in the color and condition of the nails, a fungal disease of onychomycosis must be excluded. It occurs when pathogenic fungi get under the free edge of the nail, at the junction of the nail plate with the skin of the finger. The nail plate thickens due to its inner part, becomes loose, and can separate from the nail bed. The color of the nail turns yellow, gray or blue-green depending on the type of fungus. There is a destruction of the nail from the free edge. Gradually, the whole body and the root of the nail are affected.

Yeasts can also attack the nail plate from the side of the nail folds. When the outer layer of the nail plate is damaged, it thickens, becomes like a claw, becomes dull, rough, and cracks appear on it.

It is impossible for a manicurist without a medical education to work with such nails of clients, because. high risk of infection. A fungal infection can be transferred not only to the hands of the master, but also to the healthy nails of the client himself.

The master must constantly remember about the possibility of contracting infectious diseases through the hands of his clients. According to statistics, 60% of the total population of the planet suffer from mycoses. Treatment of such clients should be carried out only in medical institutions and in no case in beauty salons.

Pseudomonia – Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Blue-green coloration of the nail occurs when the nail plate or nail bed is affected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is an opportunistic pathogen that is present everywhere in the environment, especially likes wet rooms. Cannot join without a drop in the level of local immunity and the creation of favorable conditions for rapid reproduction.

Base or gel detachments that occur when permanent coatings are worn out are ideal breeding grounds for pathogens.

If only the nail plate is slightly damaged, it can be removed with acid (acid-free primer, hydrogen peroxide), if the bed is damaged and itching, burning, purulent discharge appears, you should immediately consult a doctor.

As mentioned above, various diseases not only of the nails, but of the body as a whole often manifest themselves identically on the nail plates, so additional laboratory tests are required to establish a diagnosis. Manicurists in no case make a diagnosis on their own, but send the client for examination to a dermatologist. If necessary, the client can also visit an infectious disease specialist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist and any other specialist.

Skin diseases

When working with a client, a manicurist must remember that there are various skin diseases, including infectious , which must be able to identify by appearance. Of course, one should not work with people with infectious (contagious) diseases because of the danger of their spread over a larger area and infection.

Infectious diseases

Pustular diseases

The most common skin diseases. They are caused by staphylococcal and streptococcal microbes and are characterized by the presence of abrasions, ulcers, yellow crusts on the skin of the hands and other parts of the body, under which there is a purulent discharge.

Furuncles, folliculitis

Purulent inflammation of hair follicles (sacs) or sebaceous glands. In these cases, painful red nodes appear on the skin, in the center of which a purulent “rod” appears after 3-5 days.

Inflammation of the nail folds

Swelling, redness, pain in the skin surrounding the nail, purulent contents may be present. This phenomenon is called paronychia (felon) . It heals within a short time, but sometimes a surgeon is required. During the processing of such a finger, you should not touch the inflamed area. Salt baths and heparin-containing ointments and gels to relieve swelling can be recommended to the client. Vishnevsky’s liniment and levomekol can be applied at night under a bandage.

Erysipelas

An acute contagious disease caused by streptococcus. It is more common on the legs, but can also affect the skin of the hands. The clinical picture is as follows: bright redness, swelling with indistinct, fire-like borders, pain. The skin is hot to the touch. May have a peripheral ridge.

Mycoses

Diseases caused by different types of pathogenic fungi. Mycoses of the hands are manifested by thickening of the skin, its peeling, especially in the skin furrows against the background of slight redness. Often the lesion is limited to raised, scalloped edges. Patients are worried about itching.

Scabies

A contagious disease caused by the scabies mite. Patients are concerned about itching, especially at night, rashes of small red nodules located in pairs, dotted crusts. Typical location: interdigital folds of the hands, wrist area, elbows, as well as the abdomen, genitals, buttocks, lateral surfaces of the body.

Human papillomavirus (wart)

Non-inflammatory disease of viral origin. The human papillomavirus most often affects the feet and hands. The disease is transmitted by direct contact or through various objects, so the master cannot process them – there is a risk of accelerated spread. There are different types of warts:

• Warts vulgaris – rough, convex formations with a hard surface of a rounded shape. They are located mainly on the hands.

• Flat warts – rashes on the back of the hands and in the area of ​​the wrist joints. The shape is different, the color is red-brown, sometimes cyanotic.
• Plantar warts – located on the soles of the feet, painful, look like a callus or a small hole. They differ from core calluses in that they are located in soft tissues and are delimited from them by a “side”, they have a structure similar to a bundle of thin tubes.

Herpes

Another viral disease that occurs when working with hands. It has similar signs as when it appears on the nasolabial triangle (nose, mucous membranes of the mouth and nose). Manifestations of herpes can accompany a person throughout life, disappearing and reappearing when immunity falls. Colds, change of seasons, stress, immune system failures are factors that explain the activation of the virus.

Non-communicable skin diseases

The most common non-communicable skin diseases are hangnails, dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis and psoriasis.

Hangnail

Hangnail (“hanging nail”) is a common condition of the cuticle in the area of ​​the sinuses. Burrs appear due to too dry cuticles or as a result of an incorrect cut, biting off a disturbing piece of skin. The situation is easily corrected by softening the cuticle with oil. This condition is one of the simplest and most common, but it is fraught with the threat of infection with possible consequences in the form of panaritium and subsequent onycholysis.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin that can be caused by various causes. They can be of an allergic nature, due to a person’s increased sensitivity to common chemicals (washing powders, cleaning products, varnishes, paints, etc.). Dermatitis can also be caused by the usual damaging factors (high temperature, cold, concentrated acids and alkalis, etc.). This disease manifests itself with redness, swelling with clear boundaries, burning, pain. Against this background, there may be small bubbles or bubbles. The disease is treatable under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Eczema

A chronic disease in which the main role is played by allergy to various internal and external stimuli. It manifests itself simultaneously with several signs: redness, swelling, itching, the presence of small bubbles and abrasions, nodules. Most often, places affected by eczema are weeping. In the future, there is a thickening of the skin and peeling. The disease usually occurs against the background of diseases of the internal organs, stress, damage to the nervous system.

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) is a genetically determined disease. Occurs in childhood, often recurs. On the skin of the hands, ulnar fossae, neck, around the eyes and mouth and on other areas of the skin there are areas of redness, thickening, peeling. The skin pattern is clearly visible. The disease is accompanied by severe itching, so longitudinal abrasions and crusts are visible on the surface of the affected skin. It is necessary to avoid getting aggressive preparations (alcohols, acetone, alkalis and acids) on the affected area.

Psoriasis

Genetically determined common disease that affects not only the skin, but also the joints, kidneys, liver. It is based on the accelerated reproduction of the basal cells of the epidermis, which do not have time to go through all the phases of development. The disease can occur at any age. The picture of the disease is as follows: areas of redness, thickening of the skin, covered with silvery scales, appear all over the skin. They are easily exfoliated, and spot bleeding is found under them. Rashes are most often located on the hands, elbows, scalp.

Pigmentation disorders

Often skin conditions associated with pigmentation disorders . They can be caused by internal and external causes, as a result of which an excess or lack of pigment appears in the skin. The function of melanocytes is impaired, the body is more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Violation of pigmentation is not a contraindication to nail service procedures.

Vitiligo, albinism, chloasma and freckles are well-known examples of such conditions.

Albinism

Complete absence of pigmentation in the body, including skin, hair, eyes. These people have white hair. The color of the skin is pale pink, devoid of any shade. The eyes are pink. When using light-curing materials (gel polish, gel), it is important to apply sunscreen to the skin of the hands up to the middle phalanx of the fingers, avoiding the cuticle zone and the nails themselves.

Vitiligo

It is characterized by pale pink spots on various parts of the skin.

Chloasma

Large brown spots on the skin of the face, neck, less often in other places.

Freckles

Small brownish spots on the face and body.

Also, hyper- and hypopigmented spots may remain in the place of resolved lesions in some skin diseases, after acne, after incorrectly performed cosmetic procedures, with hormonal changes, etc.

When registering for a procedure, clients often do not warn the master about the presence of a particular disease. To organize your work safely and feel confident even when meeting with infectious diseases, we recommend that you read the sanitary standards and rules for processing tools.