One usually notices various changes in the appearance of the nails. There are various causes which might be leading to these changes, while there is nothing worrying about it. Anyone can get effected by these nail problems. Some of the common causes which result in the nail problems are: trauma, infection and various skin diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis and diet (only when the person is suffering from malnutrition). These nail problems are completely treatable and one can consult a dermatologist regarding these.
Few of the most common conditions of nail problems are: Discolouration, Thickened nails, Ridged nails, Splitting nails, Lifted nail plate, bacterial infection, Fungal infection, Trauma, Skin diseases, Other diseases, Advancing age. We have discussed a few under.
Nail discolouration
The healthy nails are pink in colour. But certain factors like: Nail polish, some medications, including antibiotics and anti-malarial drugs, and some of the drugs used in chemotherapy, nicotine from cigarette smoking, hair colouring agents etc might lead to their discolouration.
White spots
Most commonly occurring condition, it can be caused by minor trauma in the nails. These require no treatment at all and grow out with the nails normally.
Pitting
In this condition the nail gets an appearance of a sewing thimble. This can be a hereditary disorder or can be the result of a trauma. At times, it is also the direct result of certain diseases like, psoriasis, eczema and arthritis. Thus treating the underlying cause may help eliminate this condition but not always does it help.
Nail thickening
Nail thickening are usually the direct result of fungal nail infections and conditions like psoriasis. When proper treatment is administered, the nail condition may come back to normalcy, though it is not a foolproof treatment. At times, trauma and ageing is also the underlying cause of the thickening of the nails.
Separation
This happens when the nail gets separated from the nail bed or underlying tissue. Thus, the nail becomes white and seems to be growing backwards, while becoming larger. Usually, this happens as the result of psoriasis or repeated exposure to detergents. Catching a nail accidentally is also a common factor leading to the situation.
Vertical splitting
Old age and prolonged exposure of nails in water makes the nails softer and results in the vertical splits which extend from the tip backwards towards the cuticle. Inclusion of a good amount of iron and zinc in the diet can help reduce this condition. Massaging the nails with almond oil may also prove to be beneficial.
Black nail
Black nail is caused by acute trauma, like jamming of the finger into the door; stubbing a toe etc. this happens when the haematoma, i.e. a bruise gets formed under the nail. This is not a permanent condition and as the underlying bruise gets treated, the blackness will also vanish.
Fungal Nail Infection
In this condition, the fungal infection results in the nail to become yellowy-white in colour, thickened and crumbly. In this case, the nail crumblings are sent to the laboratory for checking and confirming this disorder. This can be treated successfully by administering of the antifungal medications.
Some Tips for Healthy Nails
Many more nail problems persist and thus your nails need to be taken proper care of. Biting or picking at your nails should be avoided and use of gloves should be made when hands and nails are being exposed to prolonged usage of water and detergents. Including a lot of zinc and iron in your diet will help keep the nails healthy. Limiting the use of hair dyes and nail polishes will also help in future. Some other precautions to be taken by avoiding doing certain actions like: pushing the cuticles back, aggressive cleaning under the nails, biting nails, smoking, use of artificial nails and adhesives etc. also maintaining proper hygiene, moisturising the hands and nails daily, treating eczema and fungal infections in time, drying the body, hand and nails completely, airing the toe nails etc are other factors to be kept in mind.
