Nails - fingernail and toenail problems

Toenail problems can affect people of all ages, but tend to be more common in older people. Common causes of fingernail problems include injury, infection and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Causes of toenail problems include trauma, ill-fitting shoes, poor circulation, poor nerve supply and infection. 

Problems with toenails can be successfully treated by a podiatrist.

There are a number of conditions that can affect our nails, with different causes and treatments.

Nail discolouration

The healthy nail plate is pink, and the nail looks white as it grows off the nail bed. Causes of discoloured nails typically include:

• Nail polish
• Nicotine from cigarette smoking
• Hair-colouring agents
• Certain infections
• Injury to the nail bed
• Some medications, including antibiotics, anti-malarial medications, and some medications used in chemotherapy
• Melanoma.

Lifted nail plate

If the nail plate lifts off the nail bed, it will appear white. Common causes include:

• Overzealous cleaning under the fingernails
• Nail polishes that contain hardening chemicals such as formalin
• Rough removal of artificial nails
• Psoriasis
• Tinea (a fungal infection).

Thickened nails

This condition affects the toenails more than the fingernails. Older people are at greater risk. Causes include:

• Fungal infection
• Neglect
• Injury
• Poor circulation
• Arthritis in the toes
• Altered gait (walking) pattern
• Ill-fitting shoes
• Psoriasis.

Ridged nails

Ridges running either the length or width of the nail plate can have a number of causes, including:

• Age-related changes
• Trauma to the nail matrix
• Overzealous attention to the cuticles
• Fever or illness
• Eczema
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Lichen planus infection.

Splitting nails

In this condition, the nail plate splits or layers as it grows off the nail bed. Common causes include:

• Having constantly wet hands, especially while using soap and washing detergents
• Frequently using and removing nail polish
• Continuous mild trauma such as habitual finger-tapping or using the nails as tools (to pick between the teeth, for example).

Deformed or brittle nails

A violent toe-stubbing, dropping a heavy object on the toe or some other trauma can injure the nail bed and cause the nail to grow in a deformed way. The nail may be thickened or ridged. It is a normal ageing process for nails to thicken.

Deformed or brittle toenails can benefit from regular professional attention. Trimming, shaping and nail care from a podiatrist can improve the health of your toenails and help diagnose and treat more serious nail problems.

Bacterial infection of the nail

The Staphylococcus aureus bacterium is a common cause of bacterial infection of the nail. Typically, the infection first takes hold in the fold of skin at the base of the nail (proximal nail fold). Without treatment, the infection can worsen, leading to inflammation and pus. It is often associated with candida infection, particularly when it becomes chronic.

Activities that predispose a person to a bacterial nail infection include:

• Having constantly wet hands
• Overzealous attention to the cuticles
• Severe nail biting, which can expose underlying tissues to infection
• Eczema around the fingernails.

Fungal infection

Fungal infections, such as tinea, are spread from one person to another and can affect the fingernails or toenails. Without treatment, the nail bed itself can become infected. People with diabetes or with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of fungal infection.

The characteristics of a fungal nail infection depend on the cause, but may include:

• Lifting of the nail plate off the nail bed
• Thickening of the nail plate
• Crumbling of the nail plate
• Discolouration, usually in streaks
• White, yellow or green smelly discharge
• Flaking and pitting of the surface of the nail plate.

Trauma to the nail

A blow to the nail or compulsive nail biting can cause a range of problems, including:

• Bruising of the nail bed
• Lifting of the nail plate
• Loss of the nail plate
• Nail ridges
• Deformed growth of the nail plate, if the nail matrix is injured.

Ingrown toenail

One of the most common problems treated by podiatrists is ingrown toenails. Causes may include:

• Incorrect nail-trimming technique
• Trauma (such as stubbing your toe)
• Nails that naturally curve sharply on the sides and dig into the skin
• Wearing tight shoes.

Skin diseases and nails

Skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema (dermatitis), lichen planus or lupus can affect the nails. Abnormalities may include pits, grooves or crumbling nails.

Unusual nail shape

Unusual nail shape – such as the nails becoming concave – can be caused by iron deficiency.

Nail tumours

Nails can be affected by tumours – including squamous cell carcinoma, usually caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Melanoma can also affect the nail.

Splinter haemorrhages of the nail

These are thin lines of blood running along the nail bed. Causes include injury, severe anaemia, infective endocarditis (inflammation of the inner tissue of the heart) and certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Source: betterhealth

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

Orlando H.Rivera DPM

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