What are the common nail diseases? What are their symptoms, causes, and treatments? Discover the details about nail psoriasis, brittle nails, onychogryphosis, ingrown toenails, nail fungal infections, and onycholysis.

Nail Psoriasis: Crumbling and Dented Nails

Nail psoriasis can cause noticeable changes to the appearance of the nails, including crumbling, pitting, discoloration, and buildup of skin under the nails. This occurs when psoriasis affects the skin of the nail bed or surrounding areas. Treatments may include topical corticosteroids, tazarotene, calcipotriol, corticosteroid injections, or laser therapy.

Brittle and Splitting Nails

Brittle, splitting nails, also known as onychoschizia, are a common issue. The most frequent cause is repeatedly wetting and drying the nails. Less common causes include iron deficiency or underlying health conditions. The best treatment is to use moisturizers and protect the nails from chemicals and excess water exposure.

Onychogryphosis: Ram’s Horn Nails

Onychogryphosis is a condition where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, often affecting the big toe. Potential causes include genetics, injury, circulation issues, psoriasis, and ichthyosis. The nail can grow into a ram’s horn shape. Treatment typically involves a podiatrist or dermatologist cutting back the nail, with the only permanent solution being removal of the nail bed.

Ingrown Toenails: Painful and Infected

Ingrown toenails can be painful and prone to infection. Genetics, improper nail trimming, tight socks/shoes, and physical injury can contribute to their development. Symptoms include swelling, redness, soreness, and pus. Treatments may include warm water soaks, comfortable shoes, pain medication, and in severe cases, surgical removal of part of the nail.

Nail Fungal Infections: Discolored and Thick Nails

Fungal nail infections, more common in toenails, cause the nails to become thick, discolored, and more brittle. Fungus thrives in cracks or breaks where it can get trapped between the nail and nail bed. Antifungal medications, either topical or oral, are the typical treatment, though it can take over a year to fully eradicate the infection.

Onycholysis: Nail Separation from the Bed

Onycholysis is the painless separation of the nail from the nail bed, which can lead to discoloration, additional skin growth, pitting, thickening, and bending of the nail edges. Common causes include local injury, excessive filing, chemical exposure, water submersion, psoriasis, fungal infections, and certain medications. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Preventing Nail Diseases

To help prevent various nail conditions, it’s important to keep nails trimmed, avoid excessive moisture or chemical exposure, wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes, and promptly treat any underlying skin or health conditions that could affect the nails. Seeking prompt medical attention at the first signs of nail changes is also recommended.

What are some common causes of brittle, splitting nails?
The most common causes of brittle, splitting nails (onychoschizia) are repeatedly wetting and drying the nails. Less common causes include iron deficiency or underlying health conditions.

How is onychogryphosis, or ram’s horn nails, treated?
Onychogryphosis, where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, is typically treated by a podiatrist or dermatologist cutting back the nail. The only permanent solution is removal of the nail bed.

Can nail fungal infections be cured?
Yes, nail fungal infections can be treated with antifungal medications, either topical or oral. However, it can take over a year for the infection to be fully eradicated in some cases.

What are the main symptoms of onycholysis, or nail separation from the bed?
The primary symptom of onycholysis is the painless separation of the nail from the nail bed. This can lead to discoloration, additional skin growth under the nail, pitting, thickening, and bending of the nail edges.

How can I help prevent nail diseases?
To help prevent various nail conditions, keep nails trimmed, avoid excessive moisture or chemical exposure, wear comfortable well-fitting shoes, and promptly treat any underlying skin or health conditions that could affect the nails. Seeking medical attention at the first signs of nail changes is also recommended.