Nail Diseases: Symptoms, Causes and Prevention

Nail diseases refer to different conditions that affect the nails, causing changes in their appearance, texture, or health. These can be caused by infections, injuries, or underlying health issues. Nail diseases can be classified into fungal infections, bacterial infections, dermatological conditions, or systemic diseases that show up through nail abnormalities.

When we talk about nail diseases in kids, it can include conditions like fungal infections or ingrown nails. Among the common nail disorders, some may be due to poor hygiene or injury, while others may signal underlying health problems.

What are the Types of Nail Diseases?

There are many types of nail diseases, and they can affect the nails in various ways, such as changes in color, texture, or overall health. These conditions can be caused by infections, injuries, or even underlying health problems. Let’s look at some of the most common ones.

Fungal Infections (Onychomycosis)

Onychomycosis (also known as Tinea Unguium) is one of the most common nail diseases caused by fungus, fungal infections can make the nails thick, brittle, discolored, or even crumbly. These infections are typically found in toenails but can also affect fingernails.

Bacterial Infections (Paronychia)

When bacteria infect the area around the nails, it leads to redness, swelling, and sometimes pus formation. It’s often caused by a cut or injury near the nail.

Psoriasis of the Nails

This is a skin disorder that affects the nails by causing pitting, ridging, or separation of the nail from the nail bed.

Ingrown Nails

Ingrown nails happen when the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, redness, and potential infection.

Trauma or Injury

Any injury to the nail, like a blow or constant pressure, can cause bruising, splitting, or nail loss. It may also cause the nail to grow back in an abnormal way.

Nail Discoloration

Nails can become yellow, green, or even black due to infections, trauma, or conditions like liver disease or diabetes.

Thickened Nails (Onychogryphosis)

This condition leads to abnormal thickening of the nails, usually caused by fungal infections or aging.

Brittle Nails (Onychoschizia)

Brittle nails break easily and can be caused by frequent exposure to water, chemicals, or underlying conditions like thyroid disorders or iron deficiency.

White Spots on Nails (Leukonychia)

The appearance of white spots on nails is a common occurrence, often due to minor injuries or nutritional deficiencies such as zinc or calcium.

Beau’s Lines

These are horizontal indentations or ridges on the nails, often caused by an injury or a temporary disruption in nail growth due to illness.

Koilonychia (Spoon Nails)

The nails take a spoon-like shape, often linked to iron deficiency anemia or other systemic issues.

Clubbing of Nails

This condition makes the nails rounder, and the fingers swell at the tips. It is often associated with lung disease, heart problems, or other serious conditions.

Terry’s Nails

In Terry’s nails, the nails appear mostly white with a narrow pink or brown band at the tip. This is often seen in people with liver disease, diabetes, or kidney failure.

Onycholysis

This refers to the separation of the nail from the nail bed, which can be caused by trauma, infections, or conditions like thyroid disease.

Candida Nail Infection

Candida, a type of fungus, can also infect the nails, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to thickening, discoloration, and separation from the nail bed.

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What are the Common Symptoms of Nail Disease?

Nail diseases manifest in various forms and can affect both fingernails and toenails. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward diagnosis:

Discoloration: Yellow, brown, or white spots on the nails.
Thickening: An increase in nail thickness can be a sign of fungal infection.
Brittleness: Nails that easily break or split.
Pitting: Small depressions on the nail surface.
Ridges: Vertical or horizontal lines across the nails.
Pain or Swelling: Around the nail bed or fingertip.

Early identification of these symptoms can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

What are the Causes of Nail Disease?

Numerous things, from infections to underlying medical disorders, can lead to nail illnesses. Typical causes include:

Infections: Onychomycosis, bacterial infections, and viral infections can all result in problems such nail discolouration, thickness, or separation.
Trauma or Injury: Deformities, bruising, nail loss, or irregular growth can result from physical trauma to the nails.
Nutritional Shortfalls: Nails that are deficient in vital elements like iron, zinc, and biotin may become brittle or change in appearance.
Genetic Factors: Some nail diseases are inherited, like nail psoriasis or disorders related to genetic conditions.
Systemic Diseases: Conditions such as psoriasis, diabetes, thyroid problems, and anemia can affect nails, leading to texture or color changes.
Environmental Factors: Frequent use of nail polish, exposure to harsh chemicals, and excessive dampness can all weaken nails and cause peeling or splitting.
Bad Nail Care Habits: Infections or abnormalities may result from improper nail care, nail biting, or improper nail care.
Medication: Some medications, such as those used in chemotherapy, might result in infections or alter nails.

How are Nail Diseases Diagnosed?

Nail diseases are diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and sometimes lab tests or biopsies. A dermatologist or healthcare professional usually does the diagnosis.

Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, hygiene, medical history, family history, and any recent changes in your nails.
Physical Examination: The doctor will check the nails for signs like discoloration, shape changes, texture, or any infections.
Laboratory Tests: Sometimes, a sample of the nail or surrounding skin may be taken for testing to detect infections, fungal growth, or other underlying conditions.
Nail Biopsy: In certain cases, a small sample of the nail tissue might be taken for further analysis to determine the exact condition.

Conditions like fungal infections, psoriasis, or autoimmune diseases can affect the nails, so it's important to identify the root cause for proper treatment.

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Treatment Options for Nail Disease

The nail diseases treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Here are some common options:

Antifungal Medications: For fungal infections, nail diseases medicine like oral or topical antifungal treatments are prescribed. These help clear the infection and encourage healthy nail growth.
Antibiotics: If the issue is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics (oral or topical) are used to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Topical Steroids: Topical steroid creams or ointments can help soothe the nails and reduce inflammation in disorders like psoriasis or eczema.
Surgical Intervention: When various treatments fail to alleviate severe nail damage or infections, minor surgical procedures such nail removal or drainage may be necessary.
How to Take Care of Your Nails: Nail infections can be avoided and healthy nails can be maintained by practicing good hygiene, avoiding nail trauma, appropriately cutting nails, and using moisturizing lotions.
Nutritional Supplements: If there is a deficiency in nutrients such as biotin, iron, or zinc, nail diseases treatment may include supplements to boost nail health.
Laser Therapy: For persistent fungal infections, laser therapy is sometimes used to target and destroy the infection without harming surrounding tissue.
Systemic Treatments: If nail issues are caused by an underlying condition like diabetes or thyroid disorders, managing the primary condition with medicine or lifestyle changes is necessary.
Protective Nail Coatings: Special coatings can be used to protect damaged nails and support healing while preventing further damage.

How to Prevent Nail Diseases?

Maintaining basic cleanliness and shielding your nails from harm are key to preventing nail infections. Here are some tips for avoiding nail issues:

Keep Your Nails Clean: Regularly clean and trim your nails. After washing, be sure to fully dry them to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.
Don't Bite Your Nails: Infections and nail bed damage can result from biting nails. To maintain the health of your nails, try to break this behavior.
Moisturize Nails and Cuticles: Dry nails are more likely to crack and get infected. Apply moisturizing lotion or oil to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.
Protect Nails from Harsh Chemicals: When using cleaning products or chemicals, wear gloves to protect your nails from damage or dryness.
Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, zinc, and iron is important for strong and healthy nails. You may also consider supplements if necessary.
Avoid Trauma or Injury: Be careful not to injure your nails, as trauma can cause infections or deformities. Always use your nails gently to avoid unnecessary pressure.
Use Nail Polishes Cautiously: Avoid excessive use of nail polish and removers, as they can weaken your nails. Give them a break between applications.
Handle Nail Infections Right Away: To stop the problem from growing worse, receive treatment as soon as you notice any infection-related symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or discoloration.
Put on the Right Shoes: Toenail damage from tight shoes can result in fungal infections or ingrown toenails. Always wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What vitamin deficiency causes curved nails?

A deficiency in vitamin C or vitamin D can cause curved nails, often resulting in a condition called koilonychia, where the nails become spoon-shaped.

Can low vitamin D cause nail problems?

Yes, low vitamin D levels can lead to brittle nails, slow nail growth, and other nail-related issues.

What do iron deficiency nails look like?

Iron deficiency can cause nails to become pale, brittle, concave (spoon-shaped), or develop vertical ridges.

What kills nail fungus the fastest?

Antifungal treatments like oral antifungal medications (e.g., terbinafine) or topical antifungal creams (e.g., clotrimazole) are effective in killing nail fungus quickly.

Can sunlight cure nail fungus?

Sunlight may help reduce fungal growth due to its antibacterial properties, but it is not a guaranteed cure for nail fungus. Proper antifungal treatment is needed.