Nail diseases

Nail diseases are a broad category of conditions that affect the nails of the hands and feet. These diseases can have various causes, including infections, genetic disorders, systemic diseases, or environmental factors. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential for maintaining nail health and overall well-being.

Types of Nail Diseases

Nail diseases can be classified into several types, each with distinct characteristics and causes:

Infectious Nail Disorders

Infectious nail disorders are caused by various organisms, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

• Onychomycosis: A fungal infection that leads to thickening, discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
• Paronychia: An infection of the skin around the nail, often caused by bacteria or fungi.
• Viral warts: Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), leading to growths on the nails and surrounding skin.

Traumatic Nail Disorders

Trauma or injury to the nails can lead to several conditions:

• Onycholysis: The separation of the nail from the nail bed, often due to injury or repetitive trauma.
• Subungual hematoma: Accumulation of blood under the nail due to trauma.

Dermatological Nail Disorders

These disorders are related to skin conditions that also affect the nails:

• Psoriasis of the nails: Characterized by pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discoloration.
• Lichen planus of the nails: Leads to thinning and deformation of the nails.

Systemic Diseases Affecting the Nails

Certain systemic diseases can manifest symptoms in the nails:

• Iron deficiency anemia: May cause spoon-shaped nails or koilonychia.
• Diabetes mellitus: Can lead to nail infections and poor circulation affecting nail health.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nail diseases involves a combination of clinical examination and specific tests. These may include:

• KOH test: A simple test using potassium hydroxide to detect fungal elements in nail scrapings.
• Nail biopsy: A procedure to obtain a small sample of the nail or surrounding tissue for detailed examination.
• Culture tests: Used to identify specific bacteria or fungi causing infection.

Treatment

Treatment of nail diseases depends on the specific type and cause:

• Antifungal medications: Used to treat fungal infections of the nails.
• Antibiotics: Required for bacterial infections.
• Topical treatments: Such as corticosteroids for inflammatory conditions like psoriasis or lichen planus.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the affected nail.

Prevention

Preventive measures for nail diseases include maintaining good nail hygiene, avoiding trauma to the nails, and managing underlying health conditions that could affect nail health.