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Nails can be involved
by many diseases: Bacteria, fungi, viruses, chemicals, etc.
sometimes a disease invades the nail directly, other times the nail
suffers as a consequence of a systemic disease.
nail diseases are
discussed here generally and this article can't be used for
diagnosis or treatment by non-physicians. So if you have any
doubts about your nails just refer to your Doctor. you can also
ask us any questions and or comments.
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we have avoided unnecessary
specific terminology, however they are mentioned sometimes for
better understanding about the dsiease |
Dr.M.Rahimy |
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click on the right images to see more pictures |
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White
Spots (Leuconychia )
- White spots on the nails are very common and usually recur. These
small, semi-circular spots result from injury to the base (matrix)
of the nail, where nail cells are produced. They are not a cause for
concern, and will eventually grow out |
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Vertical nail
ridges: they run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, are
fairly common. These ridges typically become more prominent with
age. Vertical ridging doesn't indicate serious illness.
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Ingrown
Nails - Ingrown toenails are a common nail problem. The great
toenails are particularly vulnerable. Improper nail trimming, tight
shoes, or poor posture can cause a corner of the nail to curve
downward into the skin. Ingrown nails can be painful and sometimes
even lead to infection. Seek treatment for the condition rather than
attempting to cut away the nail yourself, as infection may result. |
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Splinter
Hemorrhages - A
disruption of blood vessels in the nail bed can cause fine,
splinter-like vertical lines to appear under the nail plate.
Splinter hemorrhages are caused by injury to the nail or by certain
drugs and diseases. However, trauma is the most common cause.
Splinter hemorrhages resolve spontaneously
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onychomycosis: a fungal infection of
the nail occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails.
Onychomycosis (on-i-ko-mi-KO-sis) usually begins as a white or
yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the
fungal infection spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your
nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges — an unsightly
and potentially painful problem.
Nail fungal
infections account for about half of all nail disorders. They
usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist
environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. The infection
isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin
of the feet. |
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Warts: are viral infections that affect
the skin surrounding or underneath the nail and can be found near
any portion of the nail unit. the nail plate can change shape or be
destroyed as a result of the tumor or wart growth. They are painful
and can sometimes cause limited use of the affected finger or toe.
Treatment of warts usually involves freezing or chemical application
for removal |
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Paronychia: is a bacterial infection of
the nail fold. The proximal and lateral nail folds act as a barrier,
or seal, between the nail plate and the surrounding tissue. If
a tear or a break occurs in this seal, the bacterium can easily
enter. this type of infection is characterized by pain,
redness and swelling of the nail folds. People who have their
hands in water for extended periods may develop this condition, and
it is highly contagious |
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Pseudomonas bacterial infection: can
occur between the natural nail plate and the nail bed, and/or
between an artificial nail coating and the natural nail plate. the
'green' discoloration is the is seen. The darker the discoloration,
the deeper into the nail plate layers the bacteria has traveled. the
nail plate might lift from the nail bed |
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Psoriasis:
is a systemic dermatologic disease. When it attacks the
nail plate, it will leave it pitted, dry, and it will often crumble.
The plate may separate from the nail bed and may also appear red,
orange or brown, with red spots in the lunula. Do not attempt
salon treatments on a client with Nail Psoriasis. Consult with a
dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment |
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Nail biting:
that's a hard
habit to
break
and is a common problem, especially among young children. While the
habit typically disappears with age, it has been linked to anxiety
with older children and adults. Not only does nail biting ruin the
look of the nails, it is also a good way to transfer infectious
organisms from the fingers to the mouth and vice versa. Nail biting
can also damage the skin surrounding the nails, allowing infections
to enter and spread. How can one break the habit? Many people are
cured by applying bad tasting nail polishes or liquids to the nail |
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Onychogryposis is characterized by a thickened nail
plate that curves inward, pinching the nail bed and sometimes
requires surgical intervention to relieve the pain. it is
often the result of advanced age, trauma, fungal infection, and
diseases such as diabetes mellitus. |
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onychatrophia:
This condition
can be detected when the growth of the nail is very slow and the
free edge of the nail is not visible even the luster on the nail is
missing. nails sometimes shed entirely This takes place due to a
major injury or a disease in which the matrix is damaged.
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Onychauxis:
is evidenced by over-thickening of the nail plate and is usually
seen in advanced age, trauma, fungal infection, diseases such
as diabetes mellitus |
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Beau's Lines
are nails that are characterized by horizontal lines of darkened
cells and linear depressions. This disorder may be caused by
trauma, illness, malnutrition or any major metabolic condition,
chemotherapy or other damaging event, and is the result of any
interruption in the protein formation of the nail plate. Seek a
physicians diagnosis |
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Koilonychia:
is usually caused through iron deficiency anemia. these
nails show raised ridges and are thin and concave. Seek a
physicians advice and treatment. |
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Melanonychia:
are vertical pigmented bands, often described as nail 'moles', which
usually form in the nail matrix because of increased number and
activity of pigmenting cells. Seek a physicians. It could signify a
malignant melanoma or lesion. Dark streaks may be a normal
occurrence in dark-skinned individuals, and are fairly common. |
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Hematoma:
the nail bed bleeds because of trauma to the nail plate, and the
blood is trapped between the nail bed and the nail plate.
Hematoma may result in nail plate separation and infection because
the blood can attract fungi and bacteria. If several days have
passed and the blood clot becomes painful, the nail plate may
require removal so the nail bed can be cleansed |
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