NAIL DISEASES AND DISORDERS

Nail infections and diseases can be caused by a number of different conditions. If you have a badly infected nail, see a dermatologist.










FUNGAL/YEAST INFECTION



Fungal or yeast infections
These can invade the superficial layers of the skin, resulting in infection. Usually germinating their spores alongside the edges of finger - and toenails, some fungal infections caused by microscopic plants invade through a tear in the nail fold. These are normally white or yellowish in colour and affect the texture and shape of the nail as the fungus eats away at the keratin protein of the nail plate. As the infection develops, the nail may darken and discolour, becoming thickened and crumbly.

The first step to treating the problem effectively is to have it diagnosed correctly. Poor hygiene can cause fungus to develop. Sterilize the tools in your nail kit using an antibacterial spray and never go to a salon that does not sterilize implements after every client.

If a fungus problem persists, consult a dermatologist. Finally, try to avoid biting your nails as this will increase your risk of infection.










CONTACT DERMATITIS


Contact dermatitis
This is an allergic reaction to certain substances touching your skin. Symptoms are itching, redness and dryness. When it affects nails and surrounding skin, it is probably caused by irritants such as adhesives, monomers or primers used to secure acrylic nails. Stop using the irritating substance or consult a dermatologist if you are not sure of the cause.

The condition may be confused with psoriasis or onychomycosis, which is an infectious disease caused by fungus, resulting in white patches that can be scraped off the nail, or yellowish streaks within the nail.

Deformed nail plate
A nail plate that is shaped like a spoon and is white or opaque is often caused by age, but can also provide clues to common medical problems such as eczema, tumours, anaemia, or chronic infection. The index, ring and middle fingers are most affected. Treat infected nails gently, as the nail plate will be fragile.










HAEMATOMA




Haematoma
Haematoma (or bruised nails) is a condition in which a clot of blood forms between the nail plate and the nail bed. It varies in colour from a dark red to black, and in some cases the nail plate will separate and become infected. New growth will depend on the extent of the damage.

It is usually caused by trauma from impact, such as being hit on the nail with a hammer or, as is common in runners, friction from ill-fitting shoes. Relieve pressure by puncturing the nail with a heated needle to prevent nail loss.

Koilonychia
Commonly known as spoon nails, this is usually caused by an iron deficiency. The nails appear thin and concave, and can exhibit raised ridges. Sudden changes in nail shape may point to internal health problems; consult your GP.

Melanonychia
This is usually associated with vertical pigmented brown or black stripes, or nail 'moles', that form in the nail matrix. This sudden change in the nail plate could indicate a malignant melanoma or lesion that requires medical advice. That said, dark streaks are a fairly frequent and normal occurrence in dark-skinned people.

Onychatrophis
This is also known as atrophy, or wasting away of the nail plate. The nail loses its shine, shrinks and sometimes even falls off. The problem can be caused by injury or inter disease, as well as nutritional or hereditary factors.

Handle this condition carefully. File nails with a fine emery board and avoid using metal pushers, aggressive detergents and soaps. New nails may grow back once any disease is cured.

Onychauxis
Onychauxis, or hypertrophy, is the overgrowth of nails - a thickening and curving of the nail plate. It is usually caused by internal imbalances, local infection and in some case hereditary factors. File and buff the nail smooth.











ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS



Onychogryphosis
This is a condition where the nail plate becomes thick and claw-like, curving inward and sometimes extending over the tip of the finger. Often caused by trauma, it pinches the nail bed painfully. You may need surgery to ease the pain.











PARONYCHIA




Paronychia
Also called a whitlow, this chronic infection of the tissue surrounding the nail results in redness, inflammation and tenderness. Caused by a bacterial or yeast infection, it can occur at the base of the nail, around the whole nail or on the tips of the fingers.

You will be more prone to this problem if you pull your hangnails, suck your thumb or bite your nails. Having your hands in water for extended periods also increases your risk, so wear gloves and get medical advice on the appropriate treatment.











PSEUDOMONAS


Pseudomonas
This bacterial infection occurs between the natural nail plate and nail bed. In some cases it occurs between an artificial nail coating and the natural nail plate, especially if worn for extended periods without allowing the natural nail to breathe. It thrives in moist dark places, feeding off dead tissue and bacteria in the nail plate.

Usually, the darker the discoloration, the further into the nail layers the bacteria have travelled. Once treated, it will take several months for the stain to grow out.

Always dry your hands thoroughly as any additional moisture levels allow these bacteria to flourish. Try applying one drop of tea tree oil on the affected area or soak in a 5 per cent solution several times a day for a few days. An infected nail needs to be analyzed; depending on the cause, an antifungal or antibacterial remedy might need to be applied. If severe, consult a dermatologist.








PSORIASIS



Psoriasis
This skin condition is characterized by round, reddish dry spots and patches covered with silvery scales. When it affects the nail plate , the nail becomes pitted and dry and may change colour and separate from the nail bed. If severe, the nail plate may disintegrate completely. If psoriasis affects your nails, consult a dermatologist for treatment.

Pterygium
This is common condition describes the abnormal growth of the cuticle over the nail plate. It is usually caused by trauma to the matrix and may even result in the loss of the nail. Never try to remove the pterygium yourself; rather consult a doctor for advice and treatment.












SEPARATION FROM NAIL BED


Separation from the nail bed
When the nail separates from the nail bed, the cause may be trauma or a thyroid disorder, but most often the origin is unknown. Carefully trim away the separated nail and seek medical advice.