Nail Disorders
Nails protect the fingertips, contribute to fine touch and serve a large aesthetic function in day-to-day life. When nails suffer damage due to injury, disease or other skin condition it’s important that you seek proper treatment.
Common Nail Conditions
Lifting of the nail plate occurs when the nail becomes separated from the nail bed. The nail appears white and is no longer translucent. This is often the result of repetitive minor injury, such as excessive cleaning under the nails.
Longitudinal ridging becomes more prominent with age and has been associated with medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lichen planus.
Transverse depressions often appear weeks after severe illness or fever, and ultimately grow out with the nail. They can also be caused by severe chronic eczema around the nail fold or trauma from pushing back cuticles.
Nail Thickening mostly affects the elderly population and can likely be attributed to a fungal infection, a more serious skin condition or simply shoes that don’t fit well.
Discoloration can be caused by a number of substances from hair dyes and nail varnish to nicotine and various medications. In rare cases discoloration can result from melanoma.
Nail Fold Inflammation is typically due to bacterial infection. The condition is most often seen in people who work in water or other damp environments.
Nail and Skin Diseases
Psoriasis can cause red, scaly plaques of the fingertips resulting in visible changes of the nail, including small pits, thickening of the nail and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Eczema results in thickened and discolored skin. If eczema occurs around the hands and fingertips it can result in swelling and possible infection of the nail fold.
Fungal Infection causes nails to change in color and thickness. A fungal infection may be contagious and can spread to different areas of the body. Steps to avoid fungal infection include wearing loose-fitting clothing, wearing shower shoes in public showers and not sharing towels.
Treatments
Treatments for nail related conditions can include topical and oral medications prescribed by your dermatologist. The wide variety of nail conditions makes self-diagnosis and treatment difficult and dangerous. If you have a persistent nail condition or are worried about a recent development, it’s important that you contact the Total Skin Center located near Kansas City today to receive proper care.
