Nail Health Chart: Common Problems and Treatment

It goes without saying that the nails are often the most neglected parts of our body. We use our hands extensively but end up totally ignoring our nails. As a result, they are usually deprived of care and maintenance, and naturally, become susceptible to a wide range of problems that people experience on a frequent basis. 

While most nail issues can be treated at home, some require immediate medical attention, even amounting to surgical procedures to get rid of those said nail conditions. The aim of this write-up is to give you a complete and comprehensive presentation of the most common (and uncommon) nail conditions that people face, and also highlight the measures to be adopted in order to get treated. 

At this juncture, it is worth highlighting healthy nails. Nails that are in good condition and maintained properly are generally smooth, free from bits of skin sticking out of the edges and corners, and have a uniform coloration throughout the surface. Anything that isn't like this is indicative of an issue in your nails. To put it into perspective, healthy nails that are in fine condition bear the following:

✓ Well-distributed size

✓ Smooth and free from skin extensions

✓ Clear white lunula, a half-moon shaped appearance at the end of the mail

✓ No dirt and grime beneath the nails

✓ Healthy skin under the nails 

We will highlight all the telltale signs that your nail condition is not ideal and you may need to seek medical attention and care for your nail health. Basically, you will understand what issues call for professional medical assistance. Again, we will also mention pointers regarding the treatment procedure(s) associated with each of these conditions.

Let's begin. 

Onychoschizia

Onychoschizia is when the nails get brittle, lose their toughness, and are on the verge of breaking easily. It is worth mentioning that this condition is more common in women than men. The reasons behind onychoschizia can be attributed to periodic moisturizing of the nails, habitual use of nail polish and nail polish remover, very frequent washing of dishes, natural occurrence over the course of many years, and diet that is low in certain minerals like iron or zinc. 

Treatments

An individual with onychoschizia can be treated by adopting the following measures:

✓ Using rubber gloves when handling any washing procedures that involves the use of chemical products

✓ Keeping the hands sufficiently moisturized

✓ Using nail polish that is free from toxins 

Onychogryphosis

This is an irksome condition wherein a person’s nail becomes thick and overwhelming. It is mostly prominent on the toe with the toenail becoming thick, dull, and painful. It happens due to a host of reasons that typically include issues in the feet, problems in the flow of blood to the lower body, impact on the nails, or hereditary ailments

Treatments

An individual who suffers from onychogryphosis would have to consult a dermatologist to have their nails cut properly. It is worth noting that cutting nails on a frequent basis and using high quality footwear can also help. 

Nail Psoriasis 

Nail psoriasis is a natural extension for people who already suffer from psoriasis. As such, it is usually designated as psoriasis spreading to one's limbs. Having one's nails put against surfaces, nails falling off on their own accord, dull coloration, pain, development of dirt and grime under the nails, and a feeling of pressure near the end of the nail are common signs of nail psoriasis.

Treatments

Nail psoriasis is mostly dealt with by using medications that specifically address the condition. Therefore, one should get in touch with a dermatologist for professional medical advice on getting treated from nail psoriasis. 

Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails are a result of the nails trying to dig into the surrounding skin and are usually a result of poor nail cutting practices, undersized footwear, impact on the nails, infections due to fungi, and hereditary issues. Needless to say, this condition is quite painful and leads to soreness, infections, inflammation, or swelling. In rare cases, there can also be some bleeding. 

Treatments

Some of the best ways to get relief from ingrown toenails include immersing the feet in lukewarm water, good nail cutting practices, rubbing the nails for relief, use of medicines, good quality and comfortable footwear of the right size, and in worst cases, surgical procedures to remove the toenail.

Fungal nail infection 

A fungal nail infection occurs when the inside of a nail is invaded by fungi, usually through crevices or openings on the nail(s). Like most of the other nail conditions, fungal nail infections are more common in the toenail in comparison to other parts of the foot and also the fingers.

The reasons for fungal nail infection are attributed to injuries in the nail, diabetes, compromised immune system, problems in the flow of blood, and other infections. Discolored toenails, broken nails, and uneven thick nails are usual signs of fungal infections.

Treatments

Use of antifungal medications or surgical procedures to remove the toenail are usual treatment processes for fungal infections. 

Onycholysis

This is a serious condition wherein the nail begins to come out of the adjoining skin. There are a wide range of reasons behind onycholysis and they typically include nail psoriasis, infections, trauma, lack of iron in diet, issues in thyroid, excessive exposure to moisture, and dull coloration that can change color due to the onset of infection.

Treatments

The usual course of treatment for onycholysis involves the removal of the affected nail, limiting exposure to moisture, taking medication, and drying nails after undertaking any activity that includes washing or cleaning.

Subungual hematoma

A subungual hematoma is an effect resulting from trauma that appears beneath the nail. Accidentally hitting the nail on a hard surface and undersized footwear are the .kst common reasons behind subungual hematoma.

This condition is usually accompanied by pain, the nail falling off by itself, and patches of red or purple on the nail due to internal bleeding. 

Treatments

The usual treatments for subungual hematoma includes the usage of an ice compress on the affected area, bandaging the areas, pain killers, and resting the foot. If the bleeding and pain persists, one should immediately seek medical attention.

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Taking care of your nails is extremely important. If you have any of the issues mentioned in this write-up, follow the treatments outlined and seek medical care if the need arises.