Destruction of fingernails. Diseases of the fingernails and their treatment

Changes in the color of the nail plate, its thickness and shape are the most common symptoms of onychomycosis. Fingernail fungus is a serious disease that is highly contagious. But with proper treatment, you can get rid of the disease within 1 week.

Signs and symptoms of nail fungus

Mycosis is a fungus on the nails and bone tissue (most often the hands and feet), extremely contagious and transmitted by touch. Visually it can be determined even at the development stage. It first appears on the outer fingers (often on the thumb and little finger), and is later transmitted to the rest of the hands. In its advanced form, the mold layer remains on the hands or ankles.

In order to promptly begin treatment, you need to know what fingernail fungus looks like in the initial stage. In terms of external signs, the plate may differ slightly from its usual state: its shade will change, it will become more fragile and brittle. Rarely, mycosis does not appear as blisters or rashes around the nail bed.

How to tell if fungus has appeared on your nails:

It also happens that nail fungus on the fingers provokes complete separation of the plate from the bed or peeling of the periungual skin. To accurately recognize a fungal disease, you need to get tested. For these purposes, doctors take scrapings from the surface of the nail plate and OAC.

Stages and types of fungal diseases on the hands

Depending on the nature of occurrence, form of the disease and microorganisms causing mycosis, the following are distinguished: types of fungus:

According to the form of the disease and degree of severity, there are: types of fungi:

At the same time, it is important to understand that fungal infection of tissues can occur not only due to contact with moldy products or household items.

The main reasons why fungus occurs on nails:

Treatment methods for fingernail fungus

To treat nail fungus on the toes and hands, folk remedies, professional pharmaceuticals (ointments, drops, solutions) and some chemical compounds are used.

Conventionally, treatment methods can be divided into:

The best external remedies - ointments and varnishes

Mycologists unanimously say that when treating nail fungus, it is important to prevent its further development and reproduction. This needs to be done comprehensively. To begin with, provide the microorganism with uncomfortable conditions (aggressive external environment), then strengthen the immune system and launch regenerative processes.

For this purpose, various steroidal and non-steroidal ointments and varnishes:

Cream is actively used to treat fungus caused by Candida and other saprophytes. It belongs to the universal drugs, prescribed for the treatment of thrush, candidiasis of the nails, pityriasis versicolor and other types of lichen. Consists of 1% Clotrimazolum.

Helps fight most pathogens of fungal diseases. It has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antifungal properties. A very effective remedy for treating advanced fungus.

Gel treats fungus under fingernails very effectively. This is a steroid drug that slows down the development of spores and completely neutralizes their ability to reproduce. If you use the product within the first days after the initial symptoms appear, you can get rid of mycosis after 5 days.

is a gel used to treat yeast fungal infections, various types of onycomycosis, and lichen. The active component is terbinafine hydrochloride, which has fungicidal and fungistatic effects. To remove mycosis with this drug it will take 3 to 5 days, provided that additional tablets and immunostimulating agents are used.

- a well-known anti-fungal varnish. The main active ingredient is Amorolfine, a powerful antifungal substance of synthetic origin. The drug allows you to normalize the condition of the plate and neutralize mycoses of various forms. Prescribed only as an additional treatment.

Preventative cream with snake oil from TianDe (Tiande). The drug consists of natural hypoallergenic components. Allows you to quickly relieve itching and remove swelling, in addition, it has an anti-inflammatory and fungicidal effect.

Pills and medicines

In addition to the external effect on fungi, it is important to slow down the fermentation of the mycelium. For this purpose, tablets with a fungicidal effect are prescribed. In some cases, without them it is impossible to achieve complete recovery (for example, with advanced sporotrichosis).

List of tablets for the treatment of mycosis:

In case of severe attacks of pain and itching, it is recommended to first apply an analgesic, and only then treatment ointments. We recommend using Novocaine, Lidocaine or Analgin in solutions. Ammonia and soda will help reduce itching.

Important to remember: Before treating fungus during pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor. Some ointments and tablets affect the development of the fetus and pose a threat to the expectant mother.

Effective folk remedies

To quickly treat fungus, you need to use comprehensive control methods. In addition to tablets and ointments prescribed by a doctor, you can also use recipes from traditional medicine.

Recipes for how to quickly cure fungus at home:

Home treatment takes much longer than medication, but is completely safe. Most of the listed methods will not only ensure the removal of mycosis, but also strengthen the plate.

Hardware methods for treating nail fungus

Traditional methods of treatment are not always effective enough, and tablets or solutions have many contraindications. If none of the options described above suits you, then you can try to get rid of the fungus surgically.

To treat mycosis of the nails, doctors use erbium laser. Its operating principle is to burn out the mycelium layer, which makes further proliferation of fungi impossible. The result is visible immediately after the procedure. The color of the nail is noticeably improved and normal blood circulation is restored.

After the session, the client is prescribed a restorative medicine for nails, while reviews claim that the drug also strengthens the plate and brightens it. Depending on the degree of neglect of the disease, you may be prescribed from 2 to 6 procedures. The treatment regimen is discussed strictly individually, taking into account the characteristics of the body and the form of mycosis.

To consolidate the effect, the patient must also undergo prevention of fungal diseases. All shoes are treated from the inside with a Formaldehyde solution, clothes are washed and ironed on both sides, and a diet with minimal sugar content is followed.

Photo of what fingernail fungus looks like

If left untreated, the fungus can lead to complete loss of nails. But these consequences are not the worst. Chronic mycoses affect metabolic processes throughout the body: they weaken the immune system and make the skin susceptible to various infections.

Below you can see photos of fungus on the hands and feet in the initial and chronic stages.

To prevent loss of nail plates and minimize damage to the skin, it is important to start treatment on time. The sooner you visit a mycologist, the higher the likelihood of a quick recovery.

It is impossible to imagine beautiful and well-groomed feet without healthy nails. But they are often subjected to mechanical and chemical stress, which leads to deformation.

Deformation of the nail plate quite a common occurrence. Many adults, as well as children, suffer from this problem.

Nail deformation is a process in which a change in the structure of the nail plate occurs due to external, internal influences or due to some kind of injury.

Differences between a healthy nail and a diseased one:

Ingrown nails and fungal infections

How does deformation of the nail plates manifest?

Pigmented stripes on the nail

In some cases, nail removal will be indicated. It can be partial or complete. There are several methods for removing nails:

Surgical;

Chemical;

Laser.

Ingrown nail

Then contact an experienced specialist as soon as possible so that he can prescribe you high-quality and effective treatment. If a hematoma forms under the nail, be sure to make a puncture to release blood. Instruments must be completely sterile to prevent nail inflammation.

Most often, patients neglect treatment, thereby worsening their disease.

Treating deformed toenails at home

And if you are very worried about the deformation of your toenails, and you cannot get to the doctor in the near future, then the following recipes will help you soothe the irritation and pain.

Infusion with celandine.

It is made at the rate of 100 mg of herb per 4 liters of water. Bring water to a boil and immediately pour this water over the prepared raw materials. Leave for about an hour. Apply such lotions to sore spots for 15–30 minutes, every day for 3 weeks. Then they take a break for 1 month and repeat the course.

healthy and fungal nails

Or you can lubricate the sore spot with Kalanchoe juice, celandine juice, an onion cut in half, and eucalyptus oil.

These can be used internally herbal infusions:

1) nettle decoction;

2) calamus decoction;

3) a decoction of string;

4) decoction of St. John's wort;

5) decoction of elecampane.

All these herbs can be purchased at any pharmacy. Read the instructions for their use on the packaging.

The main thing is not to lose your positive attitude! Strengthen your immunity! Cheer up! And don't give up!

Our toenails have changed color, become flat, become covered with thin grooves, or become peeling—we often don’t consider this a problem or don’t notice it at all. Meanwhile, even subtle changes in the nails can be a signal of serious internal problems in the body. How common toenail diseases manifest themselves and why they occur, what folk and traditional methods and remedies are used to treat them, and which doctor to consult - find out from the article.

Indicators of toenail health:

smooth, slightly convex surface;
correct shape that follows the contours of the finger;
absence of sagging, longitudinal and transverse grooves;
absence of compacted areas, cracks and dents;
smooth, not thickened, not flaking or crumbling edge;
strong, dense, slightly pliable and elastic structure;
uniform pale pink color without yellowness or bluish tint;
absence of white, yellowish and dark spots under the nail plate.

Diseases of toenails, photo

Diseases of the toenails, depending on the causes, are infectious And non-infectious.

Non-infectious include:

leukonychia;
onycholysis;
melanonychia;
hyperkeratosis;
chromonychia;
paronychia;
onychocryptosis;
curling nails;
grooves on the nail plates;
splitting of toenails.

Infectious include:

fungal infections of toenails - onychomycosis;
bacterial nail whitlow.

Changes in Toenails – Should You Worry?

Yes, any, even not very noticeable, changes in nails are undoubtedly a cause for concern and an urgent visit to the doctor. Firstly, they may indicate metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalance, lack of microelements important for the body, and serious internal diseases. Secondly, infectious (fungal and bacterial) nail infections are contagious and can also spread into the deep layers of soft and bone tissue. Thirdly, nails that are yellowed, peeling, covered with grooves or dense sagging look unsightly.

Mycologists examine and treat patients with infectious diseases of the toenails. Non-infectious diseases of the toenails are treated by dermatologists and, if necessary, surgeons.

The toenail curls, photo, cause, diagnosis, how to treat it?

Curling of one or more toenails from the side edges to the center is not an independent disease. Most often, this is a consequence of an unprofessional pedicure, mechanical trauma to the cuticle and onychocryptosis - ingrowth of the edges of the nail into the proximal (periungual) skin fold. Curling toenails can also be a complication of onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail plates.

Curling of the nail is diagnosed if:

the nail plate has become dense and heterogeneous;
the color of the nail has changed, its surface has become matte;
the edge of the nail is difficult to trim/file;
it rises at the edges of the proximal ridge and curls toward the center like a “tube”;
when walking, discomfort and pain are felt.

Removing curled toenails is always complex. During the examination, they find out what the cause of the problem is. If this is an injury, surgical treatment and a course of physiotherapeutic rehabilitation procedures are performed. If the curling is caused by onychomycosis, they first fight the fungal infection and only then correct the shape of the nail plate and the direction of its growth.

Black spot on the big toe nail, photo, cause, presumptive diagnosis, how to treat?

Reasons for the appearance of dark spots and stripes on the nail plates:

mechanical injuries to toenails (strong blows, compression, etc.);
complication of fungal nail disease, periungual panaritium;
benign or malignant neoplasms under the nail plate.

When diagnosing, first of all, pay attention to the color of the spot under the toenail. Crimson and dark purple (hematomas) usually appear due to injury. Dark spots with a greenish or yellowish tint are formed as a complication of onychomycosis - toenail fungus. Black, dark blue and brown spots may indicate problems with the liver, as well as subungual tumors. Treatment of dark spots under the nails is aimed primarily at identifying and eliminating the cause.

If you know for sure that the dark spot under the toenail appeared as a result of a bruise or compression, and there is no pain, inflammation, or swelling, you can wait. After some time (2-3 weeks), small hematomas resolve and disappear, and large ones disappear along with the damaged area of the nail plate. If the reason for the appearance of a stain under the nail is unclear, you should rush to see a specialist.

The nail on the big toe is peeling, photo, cause, presumptive diagnosis, how to treat it?

A split toenail is said to occur if:

the leading edge of the nail plate has become thinner and softer;
the usual color of the growing part of the nail has changed to off-white, grayish;
the tip of the nail became unsmooth, scales and peeling appeared on it;
the edge of the nail peels off in thin sheet-like plates; it cannot be smoothed with a file.

Toenails may peel:

with a lack/excess of calcium;
with a deficiency of protein, sulfur, zinc, selenium;
with hormonal imbalance;
for chronic liver diseases;
for some renal pathologies;
with anemia - iron deficiency in the body;
for endocrine disorders;
as a result of taking certain medications;
with frequent contact of nails with alkalis, with hot water;
when using low-quality decorative products;
after an unprofessional pedicure.

Often, simple measures - a balanced diet, avoiding contact with chemicals, regular nail and cuticle care - are enough to stop your nails from splitting. If you cannot cope with the problem on your own, it makes sense to consult a dermatologist or therapist.

Treatment for peeling toenails is prescribed depending on the cause of the disease. You may be recommended vitamin-mineral complexes and dietary supplements, paraffin therapy, baths with herbal infusions, applications with essential oils, medicinal varnishes and other procedures to restore the normal strong and elastic structure of the nails and stop their delamination.

Crooked toenails, photos, causes, diagnosis, how to treat?

Toenails can become deformed - change shape and structure, become heterogeneous, become covered with grooves and wavy ridges, separate from the cuticle and curl - for a number of reasons.

Common causes of crooked toenails:

hereditary predisposition;
wearing uncomfortable shoes;
deficiency of nutrients and vitamins;
chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys;
injuries, inflammation and abscesses of the nails;
complication of nail felon;
consequences of long-term untreated onychomycosis.

To treat curvature of toenails, vitamins, mineral complexes, paraffin therapy, applications with ozokerite and healing mud, and physiotherapy are prescribed. In difficult cases, when crooked nails hurt, become inflamed, or interfere with walking, surgical correction is performed.

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Which doctor treats toenail fungus?

Onychomycosis feet - local or total fungal infection of the surface of the nail plates - refers to infectious diseases. It can be caused by several types of dermatophyte fungi: Trichophyton Rubrum, Trichophyton Interdigitale, Trichophyton Tonsurans, Microsporum Canis, etc.

Inspects, identifies the causative agent of onychomycosis, as well as prescribes a course of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory treatment and restorative procedures. mycologist.

How does toenail fungus begin, signs, photos?

You can suspect onychomycosis of toenails if:

Factors provoking the development of onychomycosis:

walking barefoot in the pool, bathhouse and on the beach;
excessive sweating of the feet;
wearing tight, wet shoes;
cracks and damage to the skin of the feet;
neglect of hygiene;
weak immunity.

Radical methods of treating foot fungus with complete removal of the affected nail plates are a thing of the past. Modern medicine uses a hardware treatment procedure - gentle grinding of diseased areas of nails in several sessions (as they grow back) under local anesthesia.

Hardware treatment is used if more than 40% of the nail surface is affected by the fungus. In the initial stages of onychomycosis, antifungal medications, antimycotics, antibacterial treatment, medicinal varnishes and emulsions that restore the healthy structure of toenails and physical procedures are prescribed.

The effectiveness and timing of treatment for fungal infections of the toenails directly depend on the time of seeking medical help. In the first stages of onychomycosis, it is much easier to cope with the disease than with a developed, total and complicated infection. Therefore, if one of the above manifestations is detected, you should not postpone a visit to the mycologist. It is important to understand: if a diagnosis of onychomycosis is made, self-medication is canceled!

Traditional recipes for foot fungus

Treatment of toenail fungus with laser

One of the most effective methods of combating onychomycosis of toenails is laser therapy. The procedure is based on the sterilization of spores of the fungus that has infected the surface of the nail plates, after which their reproduction, and therefore the development of the disease, stops.

As a result of exposure to laser beams, the fungus dies, and the damaged nail plate is eventually replaced by a healthy one. The full course of laser treatment is from 7 to 10 procedures at intervals of 1-1.5 weeks. In difficult cases, along with laser treatment, systemic and antifungal drug therapy is used,

Among the advantages of laser treatment of onychomycosis:

low morbidity;
absolute painlessness;
no side effects;
high efficiency;
low risk of relapse after recovery;
the opportunity to simultaneously get rid of onychocryptosis - ingrown nails.

Effective ointments and varnishes against fungus

In combination with hardware procedures and antifungal medications, varnishes and ointments are used in the treatment and prevention of relapses of onychomycosis.

The action of varnishes is based on the destruction and sterilization of fungal spores, depriving them of their ability to reproduce, creating a dense, airtight coating on the surface of the nail plate, and preventing the spread of infection to healthy nails.

Seven effective medicinal varnishes for onychomycosis of the legs:

"Loceryl";
"Oflomil";
"Batrafen";
"Mikozan";
"Lamisil";
"Demicten";
"Oflomelid."

Antifungal ointments contain antimycotics, anti-inflammatory substances that promote nail regeneration. Thanks to their thick and viscous consistency, they provide a long-lasting, effective and gentle effect only on the affected areas of the toenails.

"Lamisil"
"Terbizin";
"Lamicon";
"Mikomax";
"Exoderil";
"Atifin";
"Terbinox".

What pills are there for toenail fungus?

Ten effective medicines in tablets for onychomycosis:

"Orungal";
"Lamisil";
"Introconazole";
"Diflucan";
"Fluconazole";
"Griseofulvin";
"Onyhon";
"Terbinafine";
"Ketoconazole";
"Irunin."

Butchers toenail fungus video

Diseases and human nails, what diseases do nails indicate:

Any deviations in the condition of a person’s nails do not just happen. As a rule, this is a side effect of taking certain medications, a reaction to a deficiency in the body of certain nutrients, vitamins, microelements, to hormonal and metabolic imbalances, to exacerbations of chronic diseases.

platonychia (photos, causes and signs)

Platonychia- flattening (dystrophy) of one, several or all nails - may be a consequence of:

poisoning with toxic substances;
taking potent medications (in particular, antibiotics and antifungals);
prolonged compression or trauma to the nail plates;
complications of skin and nail psoriasis, eczema;
circulatory disorders in proximal tissues;
decompensated cirrhosis of the liver;
congenital anomaly.

Left unattended, platonychia on one nail plate can develop on other nails. Therefore, it makes sense to find out the cause of the pathology as soon as possible and eliminate it. In the treatment of platonychia, in addition to the basic medications prescribed by the doctor, inophoresis, phonophoresis, paraffin therapy, therapeutic baths based on herbal infusions that improve blood circulation, tissue trophism and restore the structure of nails, essential oils and sea salt are used.

transverse lines on nails (photos, signs and causes)

Transverse grooves (the so-called Bo stripes), stretching from one periungual fold to the opposite one, may appear:

in case of injury and atrophy of the matrix - the root of the nail plate;
as a result of anemia - iron deficiency in the body;
with a lack of zinc and potassium;
in case of failures in metabolic processes;
for disorders in the gastrointestinal tract;
for liver and kidney diseases;
after wearing false nails for a long time;
as a consequence of infectious diseases.

Doctors strongly advise against polishing irregularities and stripes on nails with files and buffs. In the absence of proper treatment, such “disguise” can only aggravate the problem - damage and seriously deform the nail plates.

Micronychia. The main signs of this pathology are shortened and reduced in size nail plates. Sometimes changes affect the density of the stratum corneum of the nails, as well as their color and texture.

Nail micronychia can occur for a number of reasons:

due to a congenital anomaly;
with genuine epilepsy - a systemic metabolic disorder;
with scleroderma - fibrous changes in the nail matrix;
with onychophagia - obsessive biting of the edges of nails;
with onychodestruction - progressive nail dystrophy;
as one of the manifestations of trophoneurosis;
as a complication of nail fungus.

It is impossible to cope with developing micronychia on your own. To determine the cause of the disease and draw up an effective treatment regimen, it is important to contact a dermatologist as early as possible (if the first, even subtle, manifestations are detected). You may need to consult a neurologist and undergo additional examinations.

Leukonychia called whitish dots, streaks and stripes under the nails. This is nothing more than microscopic accumulations of air bubbles between the layers of the nail plate.

Causes of leukonychia:

deficiency of calcium, zinc;
hypovitaminosis;
metabolic disorders;
nail phalanx injuries;
prolonged compression of the nail;
consequences of infectious diseases;
chemical intoxication (arsenic, thalium);
immune pathologies;
fungal infection;
liver diseases.

Treatment, depending on the cause of leukonychia, includes mandatory therapy for the underlying disease, prescription of courses of vitamins and mineral complexes, diet, physiotherapy, therapeutic baths and applications.

Onycholysis- partial detachment of the nail plate from the proximal (lateral) skin ridges and tissues of the subungual bed. As a result, the nails become noticeably deformed, become dry, brittle, lose their shine and transparency, and in complicated cases, turn blue, turn yellow, or acquire a grayish-brown tint.

Why does onycholysis of nails occur:

as a result of treatment with antibiotics (in particular, tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones);
due to chemical intoxication;
as a complication of fungal infection;
if you are allergic to household chemicals.

Therapeutic measures are aimed primarily at eliminating the cause of onycholysis. Avoid contact with allergens and aggressive household chemicals; carry out restorative treatment after taking antibiotic drugs; prescribe sensitizing and antimycotic drugs; physiotherapy to correct nail growth and therapeutic baths for their regeneration.

onychorrhexis of nails (photos, signs, causes, recommendations)

At onychorrhexis the integrity of the nail plate is compromised. Simply put, it splits from the root to the outer edge of the nail. The main manifestation of the disease is a noticeable vertical crack on the surface of the nail (usually closer to the center).

Causes of onychorrhexis:

poor circulation in the nail matrix;
one of the manifestations of systemic atherosclerosis;
Raynaud's syndrome;
vasculitis;
nail psoriasis;
onychomycosis - fungal infection of the nails;
complication of thyrotoxicosis;
complication of diabetes mellitus;
metabolic or hormonal imbalance;
trauma and compression of the tissues of the nail bed, cuticle, nail root.

Treatment of onychorrhexis is complex. After determining the cause of the pathology, a course of drugs is prescribed to treat the underlying disease, as well as procedures aimed at restoring and correcting the growth of the nail plate.

The ingrowth of the lateral edges of the nail into the tissue of the periungual fold is called onychocryptosis. In addition to the fact that an ingrown toenail inevitably causes inflammation of the cuticle and noticeable pain when walking, if not properly treated, it can cause a periungual or subungual abscess. One of the most dangerous complications of onychocryptosis is gangrene. Most often, pathology occurs on the big toes.

Causes of onychocryptosis:

hereditary predisposition - abnormal direction of growth of the nail plate;
wearing shoes that compress, injure and deform nails;
unprofessionally performed pedicure;
bruise, compression or other injury to the nail phalanx of the finger;
complication of flat feet, sudden weight gain;
deformation of the nail due to a fungal infection.

In the first stages of treatment of onychocryptosis, antiseptic dressings are used to relieve pain and inflammation, and, if necessary, antifungal drugs. In complicated cases, minor surgery may be necessary to free the edges of the ingrown nail, eliminate abscesses and necrotic tissue. After the acute symptoms are relieved, splints that correct the correct growth of the nail are prescribed.

Chromonychia Diagnosed by yellowing of the surface of the nail plates.

Chromonychia may be a consequence of:

tobacco abuse;
allergies to household chemicals;
side effects of certain medications;
use of low-quality decorative products;
bronchopulmonary pathologies;
endocrine disorders;
hepatitis of any type;
liver cirrhosis.

The best way to get rid of chromonychia is to identify and eliminate the cause of the pathology.

Can nail disease be cured with home remedies?

Home remedies for the treatment of nail diseases are effective only in combination with medications, vitamin preparations and professional procedures prescribed by a doctor. This is especially important to consider in case of infectious nail diseases.

Who should diagnose and treat nail disease?

Please note: this article is for informational purposes only. We do not recommend using the listed ointments, varnishes, tablets and folk recipes for the treatment of nail diseases without examination and consultation with a mycologist or dermatologist.

The beauty of nails always depends only on health. No expensive salon procedures or the most careful care can rid the nail plates of the disease if it exists and needs treatment from a specialist.

All nail pathologies are divided into fungal and non-fungal. And this article will give you information specifically about non-fungal lesions and the advisability of their treatment.

Why do my nails hurt?

Poor nutrition leads to a deficiency of a number of nutrients in the body, which can worsen the condition of the nails.

The causes of nail diseases can be the following factors:

injuries;
poor nutrition leading to insufficient intake of nutrients;
heredity;
pathologies of the heart, blood vessels, endocrine or nervous system;
nicotine addiction;
improper care.

According to some leading experts in the field of dermatology, such ailments are more often provoked by dermatological diseases, and due to injuries they arise depending on the strength, frequency and duration of exposure to a particular traumatic factor.

It is easy to distinguish a healthy nail from a diseased one: in the absence of pathologies, the nail plate has no irregularities, is pink and not very thick. And in case of diseases it is modified. For example: yellowed, deformed, whitish, etc. Such symptoms are always a reason to consult a doctor!

List of non-fungal nail infections

In the dermatological atlas you can find many diseases of non-fungal origin that specifically affect the nail plates. In this article we will consider only the most common ones:

Onycholysis. This pathology is accompanied by whitening of the nail and its peeling off from the finger. Sometimes the shade of the nail can vary from bluish to yellow. This disease can be caused by psoriasis, eczema, disorders of the cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, nervous system or some other traumatic factor. Subsequently, such a lesion can significantly increase not only trauma to the nail plate (up to its complete loss) and the finger itself, but also the risk of contracting fungal infections.
Hyperkeratosis. This disease is manifested by thickening of the nail plate (from 1-2 mm to more than 2 mm), a change in its color, dryness, looseness and gradual coloring. The causes of such damage are the following diseases and factors: lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, trauma, circulatory disorders, medications, immune dysfunction, heredity, a- and hypovitaminosis, ichthyosis, seborrhea, etc. Such a wide range of causes requires careful diagnosis to prescribe therapy, since in its absence there is a risk of losing the nail or becoming infected with a fungus.
Leukonychia. With this pathology, the nail plate acquires a cloudy white tint. In this case, the lesions can be total or limited (point-like, strip-like). Often this change is provoked by psoriasis. In addition, it can be provoked by compression, shock, frequent contact with “caustic” chemical compounds, unbalanced nutrition, digestive pathologies, serious diseases of the heart, kidneys, blood, etc. To get rid of such an aesthetic problem, it is often enough to follow simple nail care rules and treat them with care. However, the underlying cause of such lesions should always be identified and treated.
Melanonychia. With this disease, vertical (along the growth of the nail) black or brownish stripes appear on the nail plates. Such lesions appear due to an increase in the level of melanocytes in certain areas; sometimes the stripes can merge with each other. The disease can be provoked by certain endocrine diseases, taking a number of drugs (for example, antibiotics, cytostatics), radiation sickness and other conditions. In any case, the appearance of such stripes should be a reason to consult a doctor.
Paronychia. With such damage to the nail, inflammation of the periungual fold occurs due to injury. The skin around the nail plate becomes red and swollen. Sometimes such a pathological process can be provoked by other dermatological ailments (psoriasis, eczema) or certain forms. Subsequently, it can be supplemented by secondary infection. It is logical that paronychia always needs treatment for both the underlying disease and the disease that provokes it.
Chromonychia is an unnatural coloring of the nail. This pathology may be false or true. In the first case, it occurs due to contact with chemicals, for example, after applying low-quality manicure varnishes. In this situation, to get rid of it, it is enough to take measures to care for the nail plate and stop contact with the provoking factor. In the second case - with true chromonychia - the disease is provoked by various diseases and requires treatment. With this option, nail damage is caused by pathologies of the bronchi and lungs, immunity, endocrine system, skin, liver, excretory system organs, emerging tumors or taking certain medications.
Delamination of the nail plate. This pathology is a consequence of insufficient calcium intake in the body, improper nail care, or diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. Often this aesthetic defect is caused by improper filing of the nail or the use of excessively hard files.
Longitudinal or transverse grooves on the nail plate. This pathology is caused by conditions that lead to a lack of a particular nutrient in the body. Often such defects are detected in people with anemia, diseases of the digestive system, heart, blood vessels, or poor nutrition. Treatment for such a problem is always aimed at eliminating the root cause.

General principles of treatment of non-fungal nail infections

Many nail diseases can be treated by normalizing lifestyle or treating the systemic pathology that caused the nail damage. A dermatologist will help you make the correct diagnosis.

Taking into account the versatility of the causes of non-fungal lesions of the nail plates, we can conclude that such diseases always require either drug treatment or a radical revision of the rules of care. That is why it is recommended to visit a dermatologist and carry out the diagnostic measures prescribed by him. In some cases, the goal of therapy should be to eliminate systemic disease.

Another important measure that everyone should keep in mind is prevention. All dermatologists urge you to remember it, since it is easier to prevent the occurrence of a disease than to spend a lot of time and money on sometimes lengthy treatment. That is why, before starting a hygienic manicure, choosing a salon for such procedures or care products, you should definitely consult a specialist or be guided by information that was obtained from reliable sources.

Non-fungal nail diseases are extremely diverse both in their number and in their etiological factor. They should always be repaired by a qualified professional. This scrupulousness can be explained very simply: these ailments can be the result of severe general diseases and lead to fungal infections.

To a certain extent, they complement the female image, and if done correctly, it completes the completeness of the chosen style. Unfortunately, many diseases and defects of the nails do not allow these cosmetic procedures to be performed, and severe forms of the disease cause many problems, not only aesthetic, but also worsening well-being.

Healthy nails should have:

convex shape nail plate with a glossy surface;
nail plate, tightly adjacent to the finger bed;
nail body should be clear and the capillaries of the bed can be seen through it;
the nail should not have areas of pigmentation or age spots;
rounded ends The nail plate should not cut into the skin of the finger, but may slightly press it.

Signs of diseases

There are quite a lot of diseases and defects of nails and most of them are accompanied by similar symptoms, of which the following defects of the nail plate are primarily visually observed:

change in color and texture to unusual characteristics;
separation of the nail body;
increased fragility;
departure (lifting) from the finger bed;
cutting edges into soft tissue.

All diseases are classified into three categories:

If you experience any problems with your nails, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. Changes in their appearance and emerging defects may be secondary symptoms of more serious disorders of the endocrine or nervous system. A person is never insured against some diseases anywhere, and they are diagnosed quite often. Others, on the contrary, are difficult to diagnose and their manifestations are sometimes mistakenly considered secondary signs of a more serious somatic illness.

Infectious fungal and microbial diseases

Mycoses is a group of fungal diseases that affect the nails of the hands and feet and the skin. Purely nail fungal infections include candidiasis (one of the types of mycosis) caused by the fungus Candida albicans and onychomycosis, which is caused by infection with denramtophytes of the Dermatophyte family (Tinea unguium, Tinea rubrum or Tinea mentagrophytes). Ringworm is also a fungal infection, but it affects not only the nail plate, but also the skin areas of the scalp and the skin itself.

Candidiasis nail folds, the patient becomes infected if basic standards of sanitation and personal hygiene are not observed. Most often, infection occurs through direct contact of a sick person with a healthy person. Treatment takes quite a long time and is carried out using various creams and sprays, as well as by oral administration of medications.

It can affect not only the nail plates, but the skin of the hands. In this case, the skin begins to itch, then peel and become inflamed. The nail plate thickens, tubercles appear on it, or, on the contrary, it begins to peel or crumble. In all cases, a change in the color and shape of the nail is observed. In the first stages of epidermophytosis, visual signs are weak, and the presence of infection may be indicated by pain and itching of the digital bed and adjacent areas.

Refers to infectious microbial diseases and is caused by pyogenic staphylococci and streptococci. Pathogenic microorganisms enter the skin through small cracks and wounds in the periungual areas, causing inflammation of the skin and nail tissue. Based on the type of localization, subungual, periungual and cutaneous panaritium are distinguished.

It is caused by the fungus Tinea unguium and is expressed in the appearance of white spots, or yellow and white-turbid stripes on the surface of the nail. Infection begins at the edge of the plate and then moves to the root. The affected area thickens and becomes discolored.

Non-communicable diseases

It belongs to non-infectious diseases, and manifests itself in the form of yellowing of their surface, followed by peeling and delamination. The main causes of this disease are hereditary factors, as well as malfunctions of the patient’s immune system. In severe cases, delamination occurs, accompanied by partial or complete destruction of the nail plate with exposure of the digital bed. In this case, the patient does not experience any discomfort or pain, and the exposed tissue of the fingers does not become inflamed.

Treatment of psoriasis is a rather lengthy process and involves complex therapy, including taking medications and undergoing physiotherapeutic procedures.

– one of the types of dystrophic lesions of the nail plates, expressed in deformation of their surface. In this case, the lower surface of the nail is separated from the finger bed, and the color of the nails changes from unsightly yellow to bluish-white. If the disease is advanced, then complete rejection of the nail is possible, the regeneration of which is quite difficult. The cause of onycholysis is usually an inadequate reaction of the body to certain household chemicals. Also, this disease is a secondary sign of the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, nervous or cardiovascular system.

Other nail defects

There are many reasons why nail plates lose their attractive appearance, fingers lose their aesthetics, and hands become unkempt. Typically these include:

Discoloration is caused by smoking, anemia, and the use of counterfeit manicure varnishes.

Bad habits, in addition to smoking and alcohol abuse, also include biting off the tips of marigolds. Despite the fact that this bad habit in itself does not pose a danger, it disrupts the integrity of the nail plate, which makes it easier for infection to penetrate.

The yellowness of the surface of the nails from nicotine, which in heavy smokers can turn brown, can be bleached with hydrogen peroxide or go to a beauty salon, where whitening services are often offered.

Various types of injuries can cause the surface of the nail to become scratched or nicked. This defect, with an insignificant depth of scratches, can be easily eliminated by polishing with pumice or a cosmetic abrasive.

Bruises caused by an impact go away on their own. However, the site of impact must be protected, since repeated injuries lead to delamination of the nail plate and its separation from the finger bed.

Ingrown nails are usually observed after an improperly performed manicure. The defect itself does not pose any particular danger, but if it is not removed in time, the nail edge injures the skin, and an infection can penetrate through the resulting wound, causing inflammation. In the initial stages, massage of the pre-nail area helps eliminate the defect. Severe cases of ingrowth may require surgery.

Changes in appearance and the appearance of various defects in the nail plates may be signs of other diseases:

the appearance of white spots is characteristic of liver diseases;
a whitish-pink color of the surface is an indicator of a malfunction of the renal apparatus;
if the finger bed has acquired a reddish tint, then this is a reason to visit a cardiologist;
if the bed is pale in color, then this is a sign of anemia;
yellowing and hardening of the surface is often a consequence of pulmonary diseases;
Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by yellowing of the surface and a change in the color of the bed to dirty blue.

Drug therapy

For the treatment of all types of fungal diseases, including candidiasis and epidermophytosis, varnishes, solutions and sprays based on Amorolfinum are most widely used:

varnishes “Loceryl”, “Oflomil Lak” or “Ciclopirox”;

serum "Mycosan";
ointments (creams) “Batrafen”, “Lamisil”, “Mikonorm” or “Nizoral”;

in case of delamination, it is recommended to use special plasters (“Lusero”, “Microspor” or “Ureaplast”).

In severe forms of nail infection with a fungal infection or its rapid development, oral administration of Ketoconazole, Mycosyst, Terbinafine or Flucostat is recommended. ).

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine for prevention and treatment, as well as for their restoration, are quite simple to prepare and do not require the use of scarce ingredients:

to whiten nails, just mark your fingertips in halves of a cut lemon and hold them in the pulp for 10.0 minutes;
herbal infusion (Equisetum arvense), prepared like regular tea, drunk two cups a day, will help against brittleness;
an infusion of freshly cut dill, parsley and refined sunflower oil, infused for two days and drunk in a tablespoon in the morning, will help for the regeneration of defective nails and can be used as a prophylactic;
baths of vegetable oil mixed with warm water are used as a prophylactic agent;
Potato and cabbage juice mixed in a 1:1 ratio is used in the form of baths for delamination and cracking of nail plates;
Rubbing in an alcoholic tincture of iodine at night is used as an additional remedy for ointment and gel therapy for fungal diseases.