Nail Diseases
Nails are a skin appendage but
nail diseases or
nail abnormalities are distinct from diseases of the skin
Nail Diseases 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.
Onychia is an inflammation of the matrix (surrounding tissue) of the
nail with formation of pus and shedding of the
nail. Onychia results from the introduction of microscopic pathogens through small wounds.
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. The relative rarity of this condition in the fingers suggests that pressure from the ground or shoe against the toe is a prime factor. The movements involved in walking or other physical disturbances can contribute to the problem. Mild
onychocryptosis , particularly in the absence of
infection, can be treated by trimming and rounding the
nail. More advanced cases, which usually include
infection, are treated by surgically excising the
ingrowing portion of the
nail down to its
bony origin and thermally or chemically cauterizing the matrix, or 'root', to prevent recurrence. This surgery is called matrixectomy. The best results are achieved by cauterizing the matrix with phenol. Another, much less effective, treatment is excision of the matrix, sometimes called a 'cold steel procedure'.
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. It is most commonly seen in the great toe but may be seen in other toes as well as the fingernails. An affected
nail has many grooves and ridges, is brownish in color, and grows more quickly on one side than on the other. The thick curved
nail is difficult to cut, and often remains untrimmed, exacerbating the problem.
Onychomycosis in every
nail of the right
foot.
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. It is sometimes a side effect of chemotherapy or x-ray treatments for cancer. A new
nail plate will form once the cause of the disease is removed.
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. Mild
Onychomycosis sometimes responds to a combination of topical antifungal medication, sometimes applied as special medicinal
nail lacquer, and periodic filing of the
nail surface. For advanced
Onychomycosis , especially if more than one
nail is infected, systemic medication (pills) is preferred. Home remedies are often used, although their effectiveness is disputed. In a study at the University of Rochester tea tree oil applied twice daily in conjunction with debridement was found to be an appropriate initial treatment strategy, equally effective to topical use of clotrimazole.
Subungual hematoma (mild)Onychophosis is a growth of horny epithelium in the
nail.
Onychoptosis is the periodic shedding of one or more
nails, in whole or part. This condition may follow certain diseases such as
syphilis, or can result from fever,
trauma, systemic upsets or adverse reaction to drugs.
Paronychia is a bacterial or
fungal infection where the
nail and skin meet.
Koilonychia is when the
nail curves upwards (becomes spoon-shaped) due to an iron deficiency. The normal process of change is:
brittle nails, straight
nails, spoon-shaped
nails.
Subungual hematoma occurs when
trauma to the
nail results in a collection of blood, or hematoma, under the
nail. It may result from an acute injury or from repeated minor
trauma such as running in undersized shoes. Acute subungual hematomas are quite painful, and are usually treated by releasing the blood by creating a small hole in the
nail. Drilling and thermal cautery (melting) are common methods for creating the hole. Thermal cautery is not used on acrylic
nails because they are flammable.
Onychomatricoma
Nail Pemphigus
Erythronychia
Melanonychia
Call your health care provider if you have:
For
Toenail Fungus or foot and ankle related problems call
Dr. Harounian.
| Metropolitan Los Angeles Clinic: | 213-484-0040 |
| West Los Angeles Clinic: | 310-477-9210 |
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