Are you looking for some more information about nail diseases?
In this article we will tell you about the most common nail diseases, explaining symptoms, causes and forms of prevention.
Under normal conditions, nails appear healthy, strong and shiny, a beautiful pinkish color, and slightly elastic. If this condition is compromised, an alarm bell may go off in us: if the nails appear brittle or with discolorations, we definitely need to understand the cause of these phenomena.
Let us now take a look at an overview of the most common diseases related to fingernails and toenails, what are the triggers, and how to treat the disorders.
Everything you need to know about nail diseases
From nail fungus to ingrown toenails, here is a wealth of information on major nail diseases.
Causes of nail diseases
The causes of nail diseases can be a wide variety. Among the factors to which these diseases may be related, we mention:
Presence of fungus, mold, or yeast within the nail;
Food shortages;
Metabolic disorders of varying degrees;
Skin diseases;
Bad habits.
Major nail disorders
Major nail-related disorders include:
Onychomycosis
Nail mycosis is one of the most common diseases. In this case, the culprits are fungi, which visibly alter the characteristics of the nail. Flaking, yellowish-colored, and dull nails are just some of the aspects related to onychomycosis. It is important that the condition be detected and treated in the short term to avoid nail destruction and fall off.
White spots on nails
This condition can be related to a variety of diseases; in general, if you notice white spots on your nails, it could be air bubbles created between keratinocytes
Anonychia
By anonychia we mean a nail condition that involves the absence of one or more nails. Causes may be congenital or acquired. In the second case, usually the condition that is manifested by anonychia is psoriasis.
Longitudinal or striated melanonychia
If you notice dull black nails, or otherwise tending toward a dark color, you may be suffering from melanonychia.
Melanonychia is a disease of the nails characterized by an alteration of their natural color, taking on a brownish tint due to the accumulation-in the ungual lamina-of melanin produced by melanocytes in higher than normal amounts.
The disease is consequential to infection by yeast or mold or mirrors Heller’s canaliform dystrophy, where the nails have a kind of central groove that divides them into two symmetrical halves.
Ingrown toenail
The disorder we commonly call ingrown toenail is called, in medical terms, onychocryptosis.
This nail disease occurs when a sharp corner of the toenail penetrates inside the skin, causing pain and inflammation on the affected area.
Ingrown toenail is not just a cosmetic problem: if left untreated, it can generate infections and, in severe cases, abscesses that need to be treated surgically.
Onychogryphosis
Commonly known as claw nail, onychogryposis occurs when the nail thickens so much that you can no longer cut it. In addition to thickening, the nail grows increasingly curved, taking on a claw shape.
Triggers include sports-related trauma in addition to age.
Blue nails
Color alteration of the nails and the onset of blue color may be a consequence of taking certain drugs such as tetracyclines or chloroquines.
Xantonichia
This is a disease of the nails that affects their surface, presenting with widespread yellow spots and progressive yellowing.
The disorder is quite common among smokers, but it can also occur in those with psoriasis, those who use tetracyclines, those with hyperthyroidism, and those who use overly aggressive nail polishes and solvents.
Nail prevention and care
Diseases affecting nails can be very painful and can affect not only their outward appearance but also their health.
To keep your nails healthy, you can follow some small steps that will help you ward off the risk of infection:
Cut toenails often and maintain a square shape;
Wash hands and feet thoroughly, but dry them with equal care. This is because residual moisture provides a perfect habitat for bacterial growth;
If you are a woman, beware of cosmetic nail surgery. Make sure that first-rate products are used and that the nail is treated properly.
As for the treatment of the nail diseases we mentioned earlier, it depends on the nature of the pathology, which can be detected only after the intervention of a dermatological specialist.
If you think you are suffering from a nail disease, contact our Studio: we are waiting for you in Rome, via Cola di Rienzo 212.
For more information, email us at info@ or call us at 06/45471658.
