Noah Sinclair
Nail diseases are a group of conditions that affect the appearance of fingernails and toenails. They can be caused by infections, underlying conditions, or inherited ailments. Common nail diseases include nail psoriasis, fungal infections, paronychia, and onycholysis. Symptoms of nail diseases can include changes in nail colour, nail thickness, and nail shape. Treatments for nail diseases can vary depending on the cause and may include prescribed therapies, antifungal medications, or, in some cases, the removal of the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Diseases or deformities of the nail |
| Causes | Localized infection, minor injury to the matrix bed, severe systemic illness, chemotherapy, x-ray treatments for cancer |
| Types | Nail psoriasis, fungal infections, paronychia, onycholysis, onychomycosis, onychogryphosis, onychoptosis, onychorrhexis, koilonychia, subungual hematoma, nail clubbing, nail pemphigus, erythronychia, melanonychia, and more |
| Symptoms | Discolouration, nail breakages, thickened nails, chalky nails, crumbling nails, separation of the nail from the nail bed, nail pitting, nail bending, nail clubbing, redness, horizontal ridges, nail growth rate |
| Treatment | Chemical descaling, softening dressings, medication, surgery, antibiotics, avoiding allergens and irritants, antifungal medication, removal of the nail, drilling, thermal cautery |
| Diagnosis | Dermatologist, medical professional |
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What You'll Learn
Nail infections
Nail diseases are classified separately from skin conditions due to their distinct signs and symptoms, which may indicate other medical conditions. Localized infection is a common cause of nail diseases.
Paronychia
Paronychia is a bacterial or fungal nail infection. It occurs when bacteria or fungi enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. Pus may build up under the skin, and a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form. The nail can become detached from the nail bed and fall off. Paronychia is usually treated with antibiotics.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail unit. It can result in discolouration, thickening, chalkiness, or crumbling of the nails. It is often treated with powerful oral medications, although mild cases may respond to topical antifungal medication.
Onychogryphosis
Onychogryphosis is a condition where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, often affecting the big toe. The nail may grow unevenly, with one portion growing longer than the other.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is when the toe or fingernail separates from the nail bed without pain. It can result in discolouration of the nail, turning it green, yellow, or opaque. It can also cause additional skin tissue under the nail, nail pitting, nail thickening, or bending of the nail edges.
Other Nail Infections
Other nail infections include onychia, an inflammation of the nail folds with the formation of pus and shedding of the nail; and onychocryptosis, commonly known as "ingrown nails", where the nail cuts into one or both sides of the nail bed, resulting in inflammation and possible infection.
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Nail disorders and their causes
Nail disorders are a group of conditions that affect the appearance of fingernails and toenails. They can be caused by infections, underlying conditions, or inherited ailments. Some common nail disorders include:
Onychogryphosis
Onychogryphosis is a condition where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, often affecting the big toe. It can cause one portion of the nail to grow longer than the other, resembling a ram's horn. Treatment for this condition typically involves cutting the nail back and letting it regrow, which may require multiple visits to a podiatrist or dermatologist. The permanent solution is the removal of the nail bed.
Paronychia
Paronychia is a bacterial or fungal infection that occurs where the nail and skin meet. It can be caused by direct or indirect trauma to the cuticle or nail fold. Acute paronychia is typically treated with antibiotics or antifungal medications, while chronic paronychia is managed by addressing the underlying cause, such as avoiding allergens and irritants.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis, or tinea unguium, is a contagious fungal infection of the nail that can result in discolouration, thickening, chalkiness, or crumbling of the nails. It is often treated with powerful oral medications, but mild cases may respond to topical antifungal treatments and periodic filing of the nail surface.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is the painless separation of the toe or fingernail from the nail bed, typically occurring slowly over time. It can be caused by local injury to the nail or underlying health conditions such as psoriasis, fungal infections, or reactions to medication. Symptoms can include discolouration of the nail, additional skin tissue under the nail, nail pitting, nail thickening, or bending of the nail edges.
Koilonychia
Koilonychia, or spoon nails, is when the nail curves upwards due to iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency. It is associated with conditions such as iron-deficiency anaemia.
Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis can cause nail denting, crumbling, and pitting. It occurs when psoriasis affects the skin of the nail bed or the surrounding area. Treatment options are available, and people with psoriasis should monitor their nails for any changes and consult a doctor if symptoms develop.
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Nail diseases and their treatments
Nail diseases, or onychosis, refer to a range of conditions that affect the health of the nails. While some nail diseases are congenital or related to underlying health conditions, others may be caused by external factors such as injury, infection, or exposure to certain chemicals.
Common Nail Diseases and Their Treatments
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are a common nail condition, often resulting in nail discolouration, thickening, and brittleness. Treatment typically involves the use of antifungal medication, which may require a prescription. In some cases, a doctor may recommend removing the affected nail.
Paronychia
Paronychia is an infection that occurs where the nail and skin meet, often caused by bacteria or fungi. It can be acute, resulting from direct or indirect trauma to the cuticle or nail fold, or chronic, stemming from allergens or irritants. Treatment for acute paronychia may include addressing the underlying cause, such as avoiding irritants, while chronic cases may require medical attention to treat the underlying inflammation.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is characterised by the separation of the nail from the nail bed, often occurring slowly over time. It can be caused by local injury to the nail or underlying health conditions. Treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause, and in some cases, medical professionals may recommend removing the affected nail.
Onychogryphosis
Onychogryphosis is a condition where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, often affecting the big toe. It can cause one portion of the nail to grow longer than the other, resembling a ram's horn. Treatment typically involves trimming the nail, which may need to be performed by a podiatrist or dermatologist.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown nails, or onychocryptosis, occur when the nail cuts into the sides of the nail bed, leading to inflammation and potential infection. Treatment may include trimming the affected area with local anaesthesia, and in some cases, surgical removal of the ingrown section.
It is important to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of any nail-related concerns. They can help identify the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatments or refer you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist.
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Nail conditions and their symptoms
Nail conditions can indicate underlying health issues and should be evaluated by a dermatologist. A nail technician may be the first to notice a subtle change in nail health.
Common nail conditions and their symptoms
- Nail psoriasis can cause nail denting, crumbling, pits, grooves, or splitting.
- Fungal infections can cause discoloration, thickening, chalkiness, or crumbling of the nails.
- Paronychia is an infection or inflammation of the nail folds, which can be bacterial or fungal. Symptoms include pain, redness, and swelling around the cuticle, and yellow-green discharge.
- Onycholysis is when the nail separates from the nail bed, usually due to an underlying health condition or injury. It can cause discoloration, nail pitting, nail thickening, or bending of the nail edges.
- Onychogryphosis is a condition where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, often affecting the big toe.
- Onychoptosis is the periodic shedding of one or more nails, which may follow certain diseases such as syphilis, or result from fever, trauma, or adverse reactions to drugs.
- Onychorrhexis, or brittle nails, can be caused by iron deficiency, thyroid problems, or impaired kidney function.
- Koilonychia is when the nail curves upwards, resembling a spoon shape, due to iron deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Subungual hematoma occurs when trauma to the nail results in a collection of blood under the nail.
- Nail clubbing is when nails curve down around the fingertips, with nail beds that bulge, and is associated with oxygen deprivation and heart, lung, or liver disease.
- Erythronychia is the presence of red bands in the nail, caused by some inflammatory conditions.
- Melanonychia is a black, brown, or grey discolouration of the nail, with numerous causes, including subungual melanoma.
- Nail pemphigus is an autoimmune disease.
- Beau's lines are horizontal ridges in the nail.
- Habit-tic deformity is a condition similar to Beau's lines, caused by long-term skin picking.
- Onychomycosis is a contagious infection of the nail caused by the same fungal organisms that cause ringworm of the skin.
- Retronychia is a relatively unrecognized nail condition that can lead to misdiagnosis and treatment delays.
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The appearance of fingernails and toenails
The appearance of healthy fingernails and toenails can be a clue to a person's overall health. Nails that look different from the norm can be upsetting, especially for children and teens.
Nail diseases, or onychosis, are a group of conditions that affect the appearance of nails. They are distinct from other skin conditions because they have their own signs and symptoms, which may indicate other medical conditions. Infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, underlying conditions, and inherited ailments can all cause abnormalities in the nails.
There are several different types of nail diseases, including nail psoriasis, fungal infections, paronychia, and onycholysis. Nail psoriasis is a chronic condition caused by a dysfunction of the autoimmune system, which speeds up skin cell growth so fast that the cells accumulate as skin patches called plaques. It affects 90% of people with psoriasis and can also occur without it, potentially indicating other whole-body or skin diseases.
Fungal infections can cause nail discolouration, turning the nail green, yellow, or opaque, as well as nail thickening, bending of the nail edges, and additional skin tissue under the nail. Onycholysis is when the nail separates from the nail bed, usually occurring slowly over time and resulting from an underlying health condition, injury, psoriasis, or reaction to medication.
Other nail conditions include onychogryphosis, where the nail becomes overgrown and thick, often affecting the big toe; onychomycosis, a contagious infection caused by fungal organisms; and paronychia, an infection of the skin surrounding the nail, usually occurring as a result of injury.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common nail diseases include nail psoriasis, fungal infections, paronychia, onycholysis, and onychomycosis.
Symptoms of nail diseases can vary but may include changes in nail colour, nail thickness, nail shape, and nail strength. For example, yellowing of the nail bed can indicate chronic bronchitis, lymphatic problems, diabetes, or liver disorders, while redness can be associated with heart conditions.
Treatments for nail diseases vary depending on the specific disease and its cause. Treatments can include prescribed therapies, oral or topical medications, or in some cases, the removal of the nail.
