Skin Disorder : Nail Disorders
Nail diseases are distinct from diseases of the skin. Although nails are a skin appendage, they have their own signs and symptoms which may relate to other medical conditions. Nail conditions that show signs of infection or inflammation require medical assistance and cannot be treated at a beauty parlor. Deformity or disease of the nails may be referred to as onychosis.
Diseases :
A range of different types of wart has been identified, varying in shape and site affected, as well as the type of human papillomavirus involved. These include:
- Onychia is an inflammation of the matrix (surrounding tissue) of the nail with formation of pus and shedding of the nail.
- Onychocryptosis, commonly known as "ingrown nails" (unguis incarnatus), can affect either the fingers or the toes. In this condition, the nail cuts into one or both sides of the nail bed, resulting in inflammation and possibly infection.
- Onychodystrophy is a deformation of the nails that can result from cancer chemotherapy which includes bleomycin, hydroxyurea, or 5-fluorouracil. It can include discoloration of the nail, or dyschromia.
- Onychogryposis, also called "ram's-horn nail", is a thickening and increase in curvature of the nail. It is usually the result of injury to the matrix. It may be partially hereditary and can also occur as a result of long-term neglect.
- Onycholysis is a loosening of the exposed portion of the nail from the nail bed, usually beginning at the free edge and continuing to the lunula. It is frequently associated with an internal disorder, trauma, infection, nail fungi, allergy to nail enhancement products, or side effects of drugs.
- Onychomadesis is the separation and falling off of a nail from the nail bed. Common causes include localized infection, minor injury to the matrix bed, or severe systemic illness.
- Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium, is a contagious infection of the nail caused by the same fungal organisms which cause ringworm of the skin (Trichophyton rubrum or T. mentagrophytes, rarely other trichophyton species or Epidermophyton floccosum). It can result in discoloration, thickening, chalkiness, or crumbling of the nails and is often treated by powerful oral medications which, rarely, can cause severe side effects including liver failure.
Pliability :
- Brittleness is associated with iron deficiency, thyroid problems, impaired kidney function, circulation problems,[citation needed] and biotin deficiency.[citation needed].
- Splitting and fraying are associated with psoriasis and deficiencies of folic acid, protein & Vitamin C.
- Unusual thickness is associated with circulation problems.
- Thinning nails and itchy skin are associated with lichen planus.
Shape and texture :
- Clubbing, or nails that curve down around the fingertips with nailbeds that bulge is associated with oxygen deprivation and lung, heart, or liver disease.
- Spooning, or nails that grow upwards is associated with iron or B12 deficiency.
- Flatness can indicate a B12 vitamin deficiency[citation needed] or Raynaud's disease. * Pitting of the nails is associated with Psoriasis.
- Ridges across the nail indicate stress.
- Beau's lines across the nail are associated with many serious conditions.
- Ridges along the nail are associated with arthritis.
- Grooves along the nail are associated with kidney disorders, aging, and iron deficiency.
- Beading is associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Nails that resemble hammered brass are associated with (or portend) hair loss.
- Short small beds are associated with heart disease.
Colouration of the Nail Bed :
- Mee's lines are associated with arsenic or thallium poisoning, and renal failure.
- White lines across the nail are associated with heart disease, liver disease, or a history of a recent high fever.
- Terry's nails are opaque white nails with a dark band at the fingertip, and are associated with cancer, cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, diabetes and aging.[citation needed].
- Paleness or whitening is associated with liver or kidney disease or anemia.
- Yellowing of the nail bed is associated with chronic bronchitis, lymphatic problems, diabetes, and liver disorders.
- Brown or copper nail beds are associated with arsenic or copper poisoning, and local fungal infection.
- Grey nail beds are associated with arthritis, edema, malnutrition, post-operative effects, glaucoma and cardio-pulmonary disease.
- Redness is associated with heart conditions.