Onychauxis

Onychauxis is a medical condition characterized by the thickening of the nail plate. It is often associated with aging, but can also be caused by injury, infection, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease.

Causes

Onychauxis can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Aging: As people age, their nails naturally become thicker. This is due to changes in the growth rate of the nail and the structure of the nail plate.
• Injury: Trauma to the nail can cause it to thicken. This can occur as a result of a single severe injury or repeated minor injuries.
• Infection: Fungal and bacterial infections can cause the nail to thicken. This is often accompanied by other symptoms such as discoloration and pain.
• Underlying health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and vascular disease, can cause the nails to thicken.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of onychauxis is thickening of the nails. This can occur on the fingernails or toenails. Other symptoms may include:

• Discoloration of the nails
• Pain or discomfort
• Difficulty in cutting the nails

Treatment

Treatment for onychauxis depends on the underlying cause. If the thickening is due to aging, treatment may not be necessary. However, if the thickening is causing discomfort or difficulty in cutting the nails, a healthcare provider may recommend:

• Regular nail care: This includes keeping the nails clean and dry, and trimming them regularly.
• Medication: If the thickening is due to an infection, medication may be prescribed to treat the infection.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the thickened nail.

See also

• Onychomycosis
• Onycholysis
• Nail disease

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