Nail Diseases & Disorders
Hangnails
These are small pieces of epidermis which have split away from the cuticle
and nail walls. Sometimes they catch and tear the skin, providing a route
for bacteria. They are common in nail bitters and can also occur as a result
of dry cuticles. Use cuticle oil or cream daily to help prevent them.
Dry Flaky nails
Fat and moisture keep the nails flexible and the layers of cells compacted
into a smooth plate. They can be removed easily if the hands are not looked
after. Flaking nails and chapped skin are usually caused by poor protection,
exposure to harsh weather, contact with chemicals and poor diet. Salon
treatments and the daily use of hand creams are a good way of softening the
cuticles and skin.
Split nails
Split nails are usually brittle nails. The most common causes are excessive
use of solvents and detergents, careless filing, poor diet and ill health.
Regular manicures and a good home care routine are important for prevention.
Pitted nails
A few pits or dimples are common in nails, deep pitting on the nails may be
caused by psoriasis, dermatitis, alopecia chronic paronychia.
Longitudal Ridges:
Ridges that appear down the length of the nail are often caused by the
ageing process. They result from irregular keratin production and can also
appear as a result of minor external injury. As the nails grow, healthy
cells replace the damaged ones and the problem disappears.
Discoloured Nails
Some nail varnishes can cause the nails to dis-colour especially if worn
without a basecoat. You may see brown stains on the nails and skin if you
are a smoker. These are harmless and may be removed using a very mild
bleaching agent.
White Spot: (Leukonychia)
Leukonychia spots are a common disorder seen in the nail plate. Leukonychia
spots are identified as small white spots "embedded" in the natural nail
plate which grows out with the natural nail or sometimes even fade with
time. (As new nail cells are pushed upward and outward from the matrix, they
are white and round. as they are pushed upward and outward the nail cells
undergo a process called "differentiation". this is when the round, white
nail cells slowly compress and flatten which causes them to become
translucent.)
Paronychia
Paronychia is another condition that closely resembles the appearance of
cysts. this condition causes redness, swelling and tenderness of
the eponychium and/or lateral sidewalls. Bacteria cause paronychial infections,
and it is one the lesser likely pathogens know to cause "greenies" under
enhancements. Greenies are often caused by bacteria called staphylococcus
aureus.
Spoon Shaped Nails:
Some people are born with this condition, but for others it can be a sign of
anaemia and when it is treated will disappear. They are due to the
accumulation of cells under the free edge.
Eggshell
These nails are very thin, pale and very flexible compared to normal nails,
they also curve upwards at the free edge. The usual cause for this is
chronic illness or a nervous disorder.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection and can cause permanent nail damage. It is a
difficult condition to clear and can last several months. The disease is
highly infectious and the hands must be covered to avoid spreading
infection. People with weak nails are most likely to develop the condition
which usually spreads by direct contact. all types of ringworm must be
treated with antibiotics.
Severe nail separation: (Onycholysis)
This is a condition in which the nail loosens from the nail bed, beginning
at the free edge and continuing to the Lunula- but does not come off. it is
caused by an internal disorder, trauma, infection or certain drug
treatments.
Bruising
This is a condition whereby a clot of blood forms under the nail plate. The
clot is usually caused by injury to the nail bed. In some cases the nail
will fall off during the healing process.
Onychophagy
Onychophagy is the medical term for nails that have been bitten enough to
become deformed. This condition can be improved by professional manicuring
techniques and any artificial tips and wraps can hide deformed nails.
Blue nails
Nails with a bluish tinge to their colouring around the lanula. The causes
of this if due to lack of oxygen in the blood stream, usually resulting from
poor circulation or heart disease.
Whitlow
A localized red, swollen and painful area at the side or base of the nail
plate, infection (pus) is often present. This condition is the result of a
bacterial infection that has been allowed to enter via a break in the skin (eg.
biting or accidental) |
Hard
as Nails