Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Nail Problems & Injuries
for most people. Our nails are exposed for all to see, especially during warm weather months. Fingernails and toenails are part of our self esteem mechanism with hundreds of millions of dollars be spent annually for manicures, pedicures, nail clippers, and supplements for healthier, more attractive nails. Having healthy attractive nails makes us feel better about ourselves and about how we believe others perceive us. So just what are nails and what can go wrong? The finger and toenails are hard plate like structures designed to protect the tips of the fingers and toes, areas that are full of nerve endings and more susceptible than many other parts of the body to injury, infection, and pain. Fingernails are also useful for certain fine motor tasks that would not be possible to perform with the fingertips alone. There are a number of different problems that can affect the nails; there are also other health problems, including heart disease, respiratory problems, anemia, and nutritional deficiencies that can cause telltale changes in the nails. Some of these would include brittle nails, poor nail growth, nail injuries, and nail infections. Anything that restricts the body’s absorption and use of proteins for tissue repair can cause abnormal nail growth. Inadequate production of stomach acid or digestive enzymes, poor protein intake, nutritional deficiencies, acute or chronic illness, repeated nail trauma (including excessive exposure to chemicals, water, even uncontrollable nail biting), and allergies can all play a part. Usually this results in nails that grow very slowly, have horizontal or vertical ridges, and/or become brittle. Identifying and correcting these elements can make a noticeable difference in nail structure in a relatively short period of time, sometimes within weeks. Nail problems can also be a result of underlying medical disorders. There are numerous medical conditions and nutritional deficiencies that can have an affect on the condition of the nails. For example: * Pitted nails may be associated with psoriasis. * Nails which break easily may be a sign of a deficiency of calcium, silica, and/or other trace minerals. * Blackish, splinter-like bits in the nails can be a sign bacterial endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart. *Horizontal ridges can be an indicator of injury, infection, or illness. * Vertical ridges can be an indicator of poor nutritional absorption. * Spoon shaped nails are associated with iron deficiency. * Overly pale colored nail beds may be a sign of anemia. * White spots in the nails may signify a zinc deficiency. * Brownish colored nails could be a sign of fungal infection. If you notice any of these problems, consider consulting your doctor or health care professional for a professional evaluation. Injures to the fingernails and toenails are common. Depending on the extent or type of injury, a bruise may form immediately. The area may appear red and swollen, or white and scraped. More seriously a nail can be completely torn off. Any injury to tissue creates an opportunity for infection. Fungal infections are a very common problem, especially with the toenails. Fungal infection of the nail, or onchomycosis, is an infection caused by microscopic organisms that grow on the nail bed, beneath the nail. It causes the nail to become brittle, discolored, and deformed, with the surrounding skin that is dry and peeling. If left untreated fungal infections can do great damage by destroying the entire nail. If a nail injury does not improve within 24 hours, or if the area begins to show increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or any other sign of infection, contact your physician. Changes in the normal growth of a toenail can cause it to become ingrown. The big toe is the most likely to develop this problem. It can be a result of fungal infection, injury, inflammation, poor nail cutting technique, or poorly fitting shoes. It can even follow a bout with anemia or other systemic illness. Whatever the cause, the edge of the nail digs into the soft tissue instead of staying above it, causing swelling, pain, inflammation, and sometimes infection and/or the formation of excess soft tissue around the irritated area.
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