Nail Diseases – Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Our fingernails and toenails are subject to a range of environmental factors. These are hence susceptible to diseases that arise due to poor environmental conditions. In addition, our lifestyle, nutrition, and DNA might occasionally have an impact on the health of our nails. In addition, a lot of individuals wear shoes that are far too tight, which makes their nails weaker. Nail Diseases encompass a number of distinct disorders. These include tumors, nail lifting and splitting, ingrown nails, psoriatic arthritis, and skin infections (paronychia).

Symptoms of Nail Diseases

• Discoloration
• Being readily broken, fragile, or splitting
• Nail bed fading in color
• Tiny white spots
• Nails with white lines across them
• Growing ridges over the nail
• Pitting
• Uneven thickness

Causes

Numerous factors might contribute, but a poor diet and a deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals can have a negative impact on the general health of the nails as well as how they look. Additional factors include:

• Fungus infection/trauma infection
• Allergies
• Infected warts
• Frequent contact with cleaning chemicals or water
• Lack of consistent nail care

Treatment Options for Nail Diseases

Fungal Infection or Onychomycosis

• Keeping your hands and feet clean is the best method to avoid contracting the illness. When going barefoot in wet areas, be careful.
• Typically, this ailment would not go away on its own, and depending on the individual case, it can take some time to heal with therapy.
• You will be given medications with an antifungal effect. Also, the doctor can fully remove the nail in extreme circumstances.

Psoriasis

• Shorten your nails, then file the edges evenly.
• When working with your hands, put on gloves.
• To stop the condition of your toenails from getting worse, wear comfortable shoes at all times.
• Systemic drugs.
• Under the skin, biologics are delivered through injection.
• Medications used topically, such as corticosteroids, to the cuticles and nails.

Lichen Planus

• Typically, corticosteroids are administered as an ointment or cream.
• To treat the infection, oral medications will be recommended.
• Also, it is suggested to take immune response medications to strengthen the body’s protection.
• Another suggested treatment is phototherapy. This involves exposing the infected area of skin to UVB light that can pass through the epidermis.
• If the aforementioned techniques are unsuccessful, a retinoid prescription is typically advisable.
• Make sure there are no injuries in the region.
• Also, you should stop smoking and consuming alcohol.

Onycholysis

• Finding the origin of onycholysis and addressing the underlying causes will be the doctor’s primary concerns.
• Treat the illness with corticosteroids or topical ointments.
• The right medication is advisable if the patient has other issues like thyroid or vitamin deficiencies.
• To avoid further infection, it can be beneficial you soak your nails in antimicrobial treatments.

When to Visit a Physician

If someone notices changes to their nails, they should consult their doctor. A doctor can provide a diagnosis and suggest the best course of action. Furthermore, one should seek medical consultation if after receiving therapy for a nail condition there is no improvement or if new symptoms appear.

The Bottom Line

Although the majority of nail diseases are not life-threatening, it remains advisable to begin treatment as soon as possible. An underlying medical problem is frequently the cause of an existing nail disease.

Aside from the aesthetic aspect, seeing a doctor aids in the identification of further medical concerns. Furthermore, it is essential to consult a medical professional if the appearance of your fingernails or toenails has changed or if there is a health concern.