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NAIL DISORDERS
Due to their exposed location, nails take a lot of abuse. Nail disorders comprise about 10 percent of all skin conditions.
Most of us, at one time or another, have closed fingers in doors, suffered from ingrown toenails or endured minor nail infections. Most minor nail injuries heal on their own in time
- although they might be unsightly for a while due to the nail's slow growth rate. More serious injuries or disorders may require professional treatment. Symptoms that could signal nail problems include color or shape changes, swelling of the skin around the nails and pain.
Additionally, the persistence of white lines, dents or ridges in the nail should be reported to a dermatologist.
White Spots
White spots on the nails are very common and usually recur. These small,
semi-circular spots result from injury to the base (matrix) of the nail, where nail cells are produced. They are not cause for concern and will eventually grow out. Sometimes toenail injuries result from poor fitting shoes and
athletic activity.
Splinter Hemorrhages
A disruption of blood vessels in the nail bed can cause fine, splinter-like vertical lines to appear under the nail plate. Splinter hemorrhages are caused by injury to the nail or by certain drugs and diseases. However, trauma is the most common
cause.
Ingrown Nails
Ingrown toenails are a common nail problem. The nails on the big toes, called the great toenails, are particularly involved. Improper nail trimming, tight shoes and/or poor stance can cause a corner of the nail to curve downward into the skin. Ingrown nails can be painful and sometimes even lead to infection. Seek treatment for the condition rather than attempting to cut away the nail yourself, as infection may result.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections make up approximately 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be difficult to treat. More common in toenails than fingernails, they often cause the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed. Additionally, debris may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail bed. The top of the nail or the skin at the base of the nail can also be affected. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections because they are confined in a warm, moist environment.
Bacterial Infections
Redness, swelling and pain of the nail skin folds often indicate a bacterial infection. The most common cause is trauma to the nail or surrounding skin or frequent exposure to water and chemicals.
Tumors/Warts
Tumors and warts can be found in any portion of the nail. However, the nail plate could change shape or even be destroyed as a result of tumor or wart growth. Tumors of the nail are classified as cancerous or noncancerous (benign). The most common non-cancerous tumors are warts, viral infections that affect the skin surrounding or underneath the nail. They are painful and can sometimes cause limited use of the affected finger or toe. Treatment is easier and usually involves freezing or chemical application for removal. If the wart or tumor extends into the nail folds or is located under the nail plate itself, surgery may be necessary to remove it.
Some Advice
- If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak them in warm salt water (one tsp. of salt to a pint of water) for five to ten minutes and apply a 10 percent urea cream available at drug stores without a prescription. Trim as usual.
- Nails should be cut straight across and rounded slightly at the tip for maximum strength. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers to do the job. Filing the nails into points will weaken them.
- Use a "fine" textured file to keep nails shaped and free of snags.
- Avoid biting fingernails.
- Avoid digging out ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. Seek treatment from a dermatologist.
- Keep nails clean and dry. This helps keep bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.
- Report any nail irregularities to your dermatologist. Nail changes, swelling and pain could signal a serious problem.
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