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Diseases of the nails in which their shape and size change. Fungal and non-fungal toenail diseases - symptoms and characteristic signs, treatment methods

Curvature of the nail plates on the feet can occur in both adults and children. Such nails not only look unattractive, but can also indicate serious diseases that require timely treatment. To know how to eliminate this problem or prevent the appearance of curved or concave nails, first of all, it is worth understanding the causes of their deformation.

Why do my nails curl and grow unevenly?

The nail is designed to protect the end of the finger, so it is quite hard and consists of horny plates. Its growth is provided by a special area hidden under the skin and called the root of the nail. As the plates grow, the body of the nail and its free edge are formed, which must be cut off in time.

If the nail is healthy, then it will be pink in color, with a smooth shiny and necessarily even surface. Under the influence of any internal or external factors, the plate may bend.




Upward-growing, wavy nails are quite common. In this case, sometimes the entire plate is bent, and in some cases only its outer corners are twisted. In addition, curvatures can occur on only one finger (most often on the thumb), or they can be present on all nails.



The deformation can be caused by a number of reasons, which will be discussed below.

Damage to the growth zone

Because of this, the nail begins to grow unevenly. This happens when a finger is injured, affecting the base of the nails, as well as when the pedicure is performed incorrectly, when a cut cuticle leaves the matrix unprotected.

Deficiency of vitamins and other nutrients (proteins, calcium)

Such a shortage can be provoked not only by a poorly balanced diet, but also by various diseases in which digestion and absorption of vitamins deteriorate, for example, anemia or gastroenteritis.


Improper care

The plate can become thinner and distorted when using cheap varnishes and products containing acetone. Incorrect cutting can also lead to problems with nails, if not sharp enough scissors are used, and the nail itself is not cut in a straight line, but with a rounding (it is categorically not recommended to do this on the legs).

Uncomfortable shoes

If it is of poor quality, made of artificial materials or too tight, then this negatively affects the condition of the nails and can provoke bending. It is unacceptable to wear tight and tight shoes, because they will injure the nails and cause them to deform.



Fungal infection

Poor hygiene or excessive sweating contributes to its appearance, as a result of which the feet become wet and fungi develop more actively. The defeat of the toenails by the fungus is manifested not only by deformation, but also by discoloration, the appearance of spots and stripes, thickening and other signs. A dermatologist should confirm the presence of a fungus-provoked infection by examining a part of the nail.



Diseases of the internal organs

For example, the thyroid gland or the heart. With such pathologies, nail changes are only one of the symptoms, therefore, for a correct diagnosis, you should contact a pediatrician or a therapist, and then a narrow specialist who will treat the underlying disease.

Eczema or psoriasis can lead to waviness of the nails. In this case, the problem is treated under the supervision of a dermatologist. Another cause of curvature is antibiotic or chemotherapy, as well as poisoning. If you suspect exposure to toxic substances or side effects of drugs, you should immediately consult your doctor.


Heredity

Although very rare, deformation of the nails is caused by congenital pathology. This is usually detected at an early age.

How to fix the situation?

Uneven nails not only spoil the look, but can also cause discomfort or pain, for example, if they cling to shoes. In this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor. If a child's or an adult's toenails grow upward, then it is necessary to influence the cause of this phenomenon.


If a dietary vitamin deficiency has been identified, the diet should be balanced or, as recommended by a physician, vitamin supplements should be included. They must contain vitamins A, H, E and B1.

For diseases of the digestive system, the patient should be referred to a gastroenterologist, who will prescribe the necessary treatment, after which the condition of the nails will return to normal.


If the curvature in adults is caused by improper care, you need to take a break from the pedicure, strengthen the nail plates with special varnishes, and make baths with salts or oils.

With a fungal infection, treatment aimed at pathogens is required. It can be both local (ointments, creams) and general (tablets or even injections), but a specialist should prescribe antifungal drugs.



If the cause is heredity, then no treatment is prescribed, but it is recommended to take vitamins, do warm baths and cut nails to a safe length.

In case of injury, you need to observe the damaged plate until it is renewed naturally.

In some cases, surgical intervention is indispensable, in which the entire nail or part of it is removed.



Prevention measures

If the nails are just beginning to deform and bend upward, the situation should not be allowed to worsen. This should be done with careful maintenance and regular hydration. Such measures are also needed after treatment, when the cause of the growing up nails is found and eliminated. The following actions can help prevent nail diseases:

  • timely shearing, in which the plates are not cut very shortly;
  • the use of comfortable shoes made of high-quality material - it must fit in size;
  • regular pedicure at home or with a trusted master using a disinfected and sharpened tool;


  • performing a foot massage for better blood circulation;
  • daily hygiene and regular change of socks, which will not allow favorable conditions for the growth of fungi;
  • the use of rubber individual shoes when visiting the pool, sauna or bath;


  • the use of high-quality varnishes and means for their removal;
  • prevention of toe injuries;
  • a balanced diet with sufficient amounts of protein, calcium and iron;
  • sufficient physical activity - frequent walks in the fresh air and a good night's sleep, because these factors are important for the health of the body as a whole.

Dystrophy of nails, what it is and how to avoid it - information that should know, if not every person, then certainly every beautiful girl. In more than half of the cases, a change in the shape and appearance of nails is associated with dystrophy, a disease that disrupts the formation of nail plates.

Nail structure

The visible part of the nail is a keratinized plate formed in the process of keratisation (compaction) of the epidermis in the nail bed. The strength of the plate is determined by the keratin fibers located between the layers of the nail tissue. These fibers are made up of protein, which contains cysteic acid. The specific amount of sulfur in it determines the strength and strength of the nail. It should be noted that the content of cysteic acid is embedded in the genetic code and its deficiency can be inherited.

The space between the keratin layers is filled in large quantities with fats and water. Their content directly affects the structure of the nail - as soon as there are few water and fat molecules, the nails become brittle and exfoliated.

The nail plate is located on the upper side of the last phalanges of the fingers, is attached to the epithelial cells and is surrounded by skin ridges. The bed represents the ridged layers of the dermis. The plate expands during the division of epidermal cells and their growth. The part of the epithelial cells located under the rhizome is called the matrix. The cells located here, growing, literally push out the keratinized cells of the more superficial layers.

The nail bed has a large number of blood vessels and nerve endings. The back cushion protects the matrix from damage and penetration of infections, which "lies" tightly on the surface of the plate.

Causes of dystrophy

Onychodystrophy is not one disease, but a whole complex of pathologies of various kinds that weaken the nail plates and make them brittle. The deterioration of the condition occurs due to insufficient or improper tissue nutrition. Outwardly, dystrophy manifests itself in a change in the color of the nails, their shape, rigidity. The reasons for this may be:

  • lack of sulfur and calcium salt compounds in food;
  • dermatoses;
  • endocrine pathologies;
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, liver and gallbladder;
  • lack of vitamins of groups A and B;
  • infectious and, rarely, venereal infections;
  • chemical or mechanical injury;
  • stress and mental trauma.

It is worth noting that the symptoms and external manifestations of dystrophy are of a different nature, depending on what caused them. In addition, a disease such as onychodystrophy often occurs together with onychomycosis, and therefore requires wider treatment. For this reason, during the diagnosis of dystrophy and the choice of a treatment method, a study of internal organs and systems can be carried out, a scraping can be removed for laboratory analysis.

Classification

By the nature of external changes, onychodystrophy is divided into several types:

  • Canal dystrophy of the nails. In this case, a longitudinal crack or groove up to 4 mm wide appears in the center of the nail. Often - along the entire length. Oddly enough, most often median dystrophy is the result of constant stress and anxiety. People who are prone to constant neuroses press, rub, pull and stretch the nails and the rollers surrounding them, thus causing injury to themselves. For treatment in this case, they resort to psychological conversations, relaxing procedures, taking sedatives and (preferably) tinctures from field herbs and flowers.
  • Manicure dystrophy. Most often, the appearance of the so-called Bo groove is characterized - deepening on the surface of the nails, often repeating the line of the base. Despite the fact that the reasons for the appearance of Bo furrows can be of a different nature, the most common of them today is a non-professional manicure. The nail can be injured during grinding, pushing back and cutting the cuticle, treatment with acetone, etc. In addition, inaccurate performance of these procedures increases the risk of infection. The degree of dystrophy is determined by how strong and how often a similar effect occurs on the nail folds. Often, psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions can be the cause of these disorders. The treatment process consists in stopping harmful procedures and local restorative and restorative effects.
  • Thimble nail. In this case, the surface of the nail plates becomes pockmarked, over the entire surface covered with small depressions. It is often a consequence of alopecia areata and severe forms of seborrhea.
  • Discoloration or, medically, dyschromia. Healthy nails have a slight pinkish tint. Various changes in the body, the process of keratisation, metabolism in the matrix can lead to partial or complete discoloration of the nail plates. Dark or yellow shades of nails take, as a rule, in case of injury or fungus, and in cases with onychodystrophy, there is an acquisition of a whitish shade. Distinguish between point or strip-like (caused by minor disturbances in the body) and total dyschromia. The latter option may be due to age-related changes or more serious problems - for example, renal failure or melanonychia. Melanonychia is characterized by excessive deposition of melanin in the nail tissue, caused by medication or mechanical and chemical injury.

The observation of onychodystrophy in children showed that there are no cardinal differences either in symptoms, or in the causes of pathology, or in the course of the disease itself.

Self-medication is not always effective

One of the most common mistakes of self-treatment is trying to varnish the nail to mask external defects. This is a fundamentally wrong decision in principle, and aggravating in situations with mycoses. The fungal infection that you lock up in this way will spread even more deeper in this isolation.

Another common mistake manifests itself in the opposite - when they start taking antifungal agents at the first suspicion of onychodystrophy. Mycosis is not always a consequence or a parallel course of the disease, so you should not make hasty decisions and start desperate self-medication without visiting a specialist.

Getting rid of onychodystrophy

Treatment of onychodystrophy on the legs and arms is a complex and lengthy process that requires regular supervision by a specialist. The fact is that it is almost impossible to independently determine the internal causes of the disease and find ways to eliminate them. Many people make a big mistake, believing that they are able to cope with the disease with their own hands, acting only on its external manifestations. It is important to understand that a change in the shape of nails is a result and a signal that indicates a malfunction in internal systems, in metabolic processes, etc. And in order for this signal to disappear, you need to work with its source.

The general process of treatment of onychodystrophy should go according to the following order:

  • Search for the cause and source of change.
  • Impact on the source of the disease.
  • Restoration and strengthening of cured nails.

Treatment of the source, if the pathology has a given origin, is carried out in parallel with the direct treatment of the nail plates. A specialized specialist, for example, a cardiologist (in cases where dystrophy is associated with disorders of the cardiovascular system), prescribes treatment for the source. And at the same time, they begin restorative procedures for nails.

Local therapy includes:

  • relaxing and anti-inflammatory baths with water, sea salt, decoctions of herbs and flowers;
  • nourishing creams and ointments high in fat, vitamins and amino acids.

Of course, general therapy is also important:

  • Balanced diet. For the health of nails, it is important to eat foods such as fish, green vegetables and fruits, cereals, vegetable oils.
  • Taking vitamin and mineral complexes with a high content of vitamins A, E and B.
  • Taking medications that calm the nervous system.
  • An active lifestyle: walking in the fresh air, playing sports, giving up bad habits.

It is important to understand that the goal of therapy is not to correct defects, but to normalize the processes of formation of nail plates, so the result will be noticeable only as new tissue grows.


Prophylaxis

In order to significantly reduce the risk of fingernail dystrophy, you need to follow a few simple guidelines.

  • follow the variety of the diet, try to avoid the deficiency of any substances, minerals, micro- and macroelements in the body;
  • be extremely careful during the manicure;
  • carry out household work with cleaning agents only in protective gloves;
  • monitor the health of internal organs and systems, undergo a comprehensive examination at least once a year;
  • periodically take vitamin and mineral complexes.

The child has concave nails. What to do?

Healthy normal nails should have the appearance of dense pinkish keratin plates lying tightly in the bed. They are needed to protect the phalanges from various types of damage. The child's nails acquire a normal appearance over time.

When a baby is born, the plates on the legs and arms indicate how it developed in the womb. A baby, born without pathologies, is born with nails almost reaching the fingertips.

The keratin plate on the hands takes on a normal appearance by the age of 4, but on the legs this process is much slower and the nails acquire a normal appearance only by the age of 10.

And all because the plates on the legs are much weaker than on the hands, they are easily injured, grow incorrectly and need special care.

The little fingers and thumbs suffer more than the rest, as they experience more stress. Such a phenomenon as concave nails is called koilonychia. Its presence in preschool children is considered normal, does not need treatment and may be accompanied by the appearance of white spots on the keratin plates. And if an adult has such a form of nails, then this already speaks of autoimmune diseases.

Treatment of concave nails in a child

How to treat a child with concave nails? It is impossible to understand the reason why and from what the concave nail plate appeared. It is necessary to consult a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the child for abnormalities and, if necessary, prescribe an examination. Pay attention to the following symptoms, if you notice that the child's nails have changed color or white spots have appeared on them, the nail plate has become thinner, exfoliated, then consult a doctor.

The doctor should give directions for tests. If there is a suspicion of a fungus, then the doctor should check the state of the child's immune system.

After the doctor receives all the test results, he will be able to accurately diagnose. Assign the child to take vitamins and minerals. And if the cause of this form of nails is a fungus, then special drugs are already prescribed to fight this disease.

Nails are considered one of the most vulnerable parts of the human body. It is they, just like skin and hair, that first of all signal to a person about the ongoing changes in his body caused by some pathological processes. Sometimes the deterioration of the condition of the nail plates can be caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins and nutrients, but in some cases they are affected by serious diseases.

Nails tend to alter, change color, or collapse. Diseases of the nails occur in both women and men, less often they affect children. Healthy nail plates are characterized by a convex shape, a smooth shiny surface while maintaining a constant level of transparency, and they end with a protruding free edge.

Groups of nail diseases

All nail diseases are divided into three large groups:

Diseases of toenails are not much different from diseases of the nail plates, which are located on the fingers. With the development of such pathological processes, a change in the shape and size of the nail body or dystrophy of the nails can occur. It should be noted that many diseases of the nails on the hands occur against the background of the course of other diseases. Disturbances in the structure and color of the nail plate occur as a result of nervous, mental, endocrine and other systemic damage to the body.

Most often, damage to the nail body occurs due to infectious skin diseases - candidiasis, pyoderma,.

The names of the most common diseases of the nails of the hands and feet with their detailed description will allow each person to notice the development of the pathological process and promptly seek help from a specialist.

Diseases of the nails and their causes

Diseases of the nails on the hands associated with a change in their shape and size are manifested by changes in the appearance, shape and size of the nail plate.

Hippocrates nails

With the development of this pathological process, the nails and terminal phalanges of the fingers significantly increase in size, they become wider and domed. Sometimes this phenomenon is denoted by the term "drum fingers". Such signs can be found in people with systemic diseases. Often, "drum fingers" appear in tuberculosis, pulmonary emphysema, neoplasms in the lungs, disorders of the cardiovascular system, leukemia and other pathologies of a chronic nature. Sometimes "drum fingers" are considered by specialists as a congenital or hereditary anomaly.

A clear description of this disease of the nails on the hands and its signs are presented in the photo.

Micronychia

A term such as "micronychia" refers to small short nail plates on the fingers, less often feet. Mostly such a pathological process is a congenital anomaly, but micronichia can also be observed in persons who often gnaw the nail plates. In addition, such a change in the structure of nails often develops against the background of the course of diseases such as genuinic epilepsy, progressive scleroderma, trophoneuroses.

Genoic epilepsy caused by metabolic disorders is often accompanied by micronychia. It is this symptom that allows specialists to make the correct diagnosis by differentiating genuinic epilepsy from other forms of this disorder.

Pay attention to the photo, which shows the disease of the nails of the hands, the description of which is given above.

Onychogryphosis

Onychogryphosis (from the Greek - curved, the popular name "bird's claw") is a change in the nail in the shape of a horn or a spiral, in advanced cases up to 5 cm or more. The nail body with an uneven surface, brown, gray-yellow, sometimes almost black, is very dense, like an animal's horn. Many believe that the cause of the injury is a bruise with a heavy object, frostbite of his fingers.

In practice, periodically procedures are usually used to treat this disease of the nails of the hands and feet:

  • softening the nail plate with a 50% salicylic plaster, ureaplast or its modern analogue "Mikospor" in a set for nail treatment;
  • scraping the affected nail;
  • often it is necessary to use surgical removal (temporarily).

External manifestations of the disease of the nails on the hands under this name in the photo.

Onyhauxis

A disease called onyhauxis ( onychauxis) is a hypertrophy of the nails, in which they are thickened and markedly increased in size, which occurs as a result of increased growth of subungual horny substances. The nail plate thickens to a less pronounced degree than with onychogryphosis.

Curvature of the nail plate with onyhauxis almost never happens. With the development of this pathology, paronychia is often noted. This type of changes in the nail body is typical for diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, as well as inflammatory processes in the nail fold and nail bed when the fungus enters them. In some cases, the cause of the development of this disease can be trauma to the nail bed and roller.

Pay attention to the photo of the symptoms of a nail disease called onyhauxis.

Scleronychia

Scleronychia(scleronychia) - a pathological process, which is a hypertrophy of the nail plates. The disease manifests itself with unusual hardness of nails, their transparency, and the acquisition of a yellowish-gray color. With the development of this pathology, all fingers and toes are affected.

The nail skin is separated from the surface of the nail, over time, the plates move away from the nail bed. The causes and pathogenesis of this nail disease are not fully understood. Some experts are of the opinion that scleronychia is caused by endocrine diseases and dysfunctions of the body.

Onychodystrophies

Onychodystrophies are changes in the nail plate, nail bed and periungual fold. Onychodystrophies can appear due to traumatic injuries of mechanical, chemical, physical, biological origin. In addition, onychodystrophy can be considered by specialists as a symptom of intoxication, internal or infectious diseases, neuropsychic diseases, pathologies of the endocrine system and metabolism, vitamin deficiencies.

Dystrophy of the nails - onychodystrophy - in the elderly and old people: senile nails are characterized by longitudinal grooves, a decrease in transparency, a grayish-yellow color, the thickness of the nails decreases or increases, their growth slows down.

What other nail diseases are: photo and description

Koilonychia

Koilonychia ( coilonychia) , or spoon-shaped nails are one of the common forms of onychodystrophy. This form of the pathological process is characteristic exclusively of the fingers of the upper extremities.

With the development of this nail disease, the following symptoms are observed:

  • the surface of the nail plate becomes concave;
  • the nail becomes smooth;
  • the thickness of the nail remains unchanged.

Koilonychia occurs as a result of mechanical damage to the surface of the nail body, for example, with prolonged exposure to alkalis and acids. In addition, various pathologies can also cause the development of this nail disease - onychomycosis, Addison's disease, typhoid fever. In rare cases, this pathology is congenital, hereditary.

Symptoms of a nail disease on the hands called koilonychia in the photo.

Platonichy

Platonichy ( platonychia) - a pathological process in which the nails have an absolutely flat surface. It is predominantly a congenital anomaly, but it can also be acquired under the influence of occupational factors.

The course of some chronic inflammatory processes in the body, for example, liver cirrhosis or psoriasis, also causes such changes in the nail plates.

Transverse furrows

Bo furrows or Bo-Reilly furrows are other names for this pathological process. The pathological process is the result of exposure to the nail plate exo- and endogenous factors. The depth of the groove (groove) formed on the surface of the matrix indicates the depth of the lesion and the degree of development of the disease.

Bo's furrows do not differ in color from the rest of the nail plate. The depth of such pathological formations can reach up to 1 mm. The reasons for the development of pathology can be different. This nail disease is common in children when they get an injury to the nail body during childbirth. In most cases, transverse grooves are found between the 20th and 43rd days after the birth of the baby.

In adults, pathology can occur against the background of severe infectious and skin diseases.

Longitudinal furrows

This disease occurs mainly in the elderly with age-related changes in the structure of the nail plate. Sometimes longitudinal grooves are formed in young people with certain diseases, for example, with lichen planus.

Such a nail disease, the description of which is presented above, is demonstrated in this photo.

Gapalonychia

The term hapalonychia ( hapalonychia) the process is indicated by which the softening of the nail plates occurs, as a result of which they easily break and split at the free edge. With this disease, the nails become fan-shaped.

There can be several reasons for hapalonychia. Allocate true hapalonychia, arising from the course of such pathological processes in the human body as endocrine dysfunctions, spastic paralysis, metabolic disorders. Also known is gapalonychia, which occurs with prolonged and regular local exposure to the nail body of alkalis, acids, solvents and other aggressive chemicals.

Onycholysis

Onycholysis ( onycholysis) - nail disease, in which there is a complete or partial separation from the nail bed. Typically, this process occurs from the free edge, but the nail plate can also be separated from the sides.

The parts that have detached from the nail bed are whitish-gray in color. Experts name several reasons for the development of such a pathological process:

  • intoxication of the body;
  • neurotrophic disorders;
  • trauma;
  • skin diseases - eczema, congenital epidermolysis;
  • bacterial and fungal infections, such as nail rubromycosis.

Onychomadesis

Onychomadesis ( onychomadesis) - complete separation of the plate from the nail bed. The name of this disease is synonymous with onychoptosis. Unlike onycholysis, onychomadesis is accompanied by the separation of the nail plate not from the free edge, but from the posterior - proximal, at its very base.

This pathological process takes place in a very short time, may be accompanied by inflammatory phenomena.

Onychorexis

Onychorexis ( onychorhexis) - a pathological process, accompanied by brittle nails and their splitting in the longitudinal direction. Onychorexis is often the result of endocrine disorders in the body, various skin dermatoses - eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus.

Among the reasons for the development of onychorexis, experts also name various types of mechanical damage and occupational injuries. Not all nails may be affected, but only on individual toes; on the legs, such a pathological process is rarely found.

Onychoshisis

Onychoshisis ( onychoschisis) - a disease in which the splitting of the nail occurs in the transverse direction parallel to its free edge. One of the main reasons for the development of such a pathology is often repeated mechanical damage to the nail. This can occur among musicians who play the violin, women who are overly addicted to manicure.

Diseases of the nails associated with skin infections

With a number of skin diseases of a non-infectious nature, as well as with a number of infectious dermatoses, the development of nail diseases such as:

  • pyococcal paronychia;
  • onychia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa caused by proteus;
  • diphtheria paronychia and onychia;
  • leishmaniasis of the nail folds;
  • tick-borne lesions of the nail apparatus (with Norwegian scabies, dermatophagoid mites - such as flour, fodder, cheese, etc., feeding on skin scales);
  • paronychia and partial separation of the nail plate from the bed with herpes simplex.

If we talk about skin diseases of a non-infectious nature, then the above diseases occur with psoriasis, lichen planus, eczema and neurodermatitis, acrodermatitis Gallopo, alopecia areata, pink lichen of Gibert, pemphigus, herpetiform dermatitis Dühring, Darier's disease, hereditary sulcus epidermoisis, epidermatitis epidermatitis glands, Pringle's adenoma, Deverji's common pityriasis pityriasis, keratoderma of the palms and soles, ichthyosis, lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and other dermatoses.

Professional paronychia is found among workers in tanneries and furriers, in chemical and brick industries, among masons, plasterers, among workers in tobacco factories, metallurgical, plastic industries, among workers in printing houses, hairdressers, photo laboratories, laundries, among radiologists and radiologists, and many others.

Ingrown toenails: photos and treatment

Ingrowth of the nail body is a common occurrence. Ingrowth of the outer or inner edge of the nail plate into the tissue of the lateral nail fold first causes hyperemia, edema of the periungual roller, moderate pain when walking, and then there may be pyogenic granuloma and complications such as paronychia, lymphangitis, erysipelas, phlegmon, osteomyelitis.

In unreleased acute cases, the methods of conservative treatment are to put a tampon (strip) of gauze soaked in 5-10% synthomycin emulsion, ointment under the edge of the nail.

"Levomekol","Levovinisol"

Vishnevsky ointment, Solcoseryl

"Piolysin" are also considered effective lotions of rivanol, lubrication with Castellani liquid (fucorcin).

The correct selection of shoes, hygiene, proper cutting, treatment of excessive sweating are mandatory measures for ingrown toenails and other pathologies of toenails.

Heliomycin ointment

Onychopathology, i.e. changes in the shape, transparency, composition, apparatus, pigmentation of nails indicate metabolic disorders, diseases of internal organs, are often signs of certain syndromes and genodermatoses.

How to treat fungal nail diseases?

The fungus spreads quickly in the dark and in high humidity; closed shoes are a favorable place for it. Fungal diseases of the nails often occur on the feet, less often - the fingers are affected.

The first signs of damage to the nail plates by the fungus are:

  • itching and redness of the skin around the nail;
  • fragility of the nail plates or, conversely, their rapid compaction;
  • color change;
  • the formation of streaks on the surface.

Manifestations of fungal diseases of toenails are shown in the photo below:

Fungal toenail disease is difficult to treat at home. To stop the spread of the fungus and get rid of the disease, you should consult a specialist. At home, you can only alleviate the condition with the development of this pathological process. A solution of soda and salt has a good effect on the nail plates affected by the fungus. Even before the appointment of treatment, you can prepare a bath and hold your feet in the solution for 15 minutes, then rinse them with warm water.

How to properly treat nail diseases caused by fungus? The fungus is very persistent, therefore, often, even after recovery, with a weakened immune system, it can often develop again.

If diseases of the nails on the hands and feet are not started, their treatment can be carried out with the use of antimycotic varnishes and solutions:

Lotseril, Batrafen, Oflomil

Mycosan, Cyclopiroxolamine

Such funds have a peeling effect, allowing you to painlessly remove the affected nail.

In cases where the disease has already taken a neglected form and is developing very rapidly, patients are prescribed antifungal drugs in the form of tablets.

The most effective are the following antifungal pills:

Fluconazole

Itraconazole

Terbinafine

Ketoconazole

Diseases of nails on hands and feet in children: photos and treatment

What are the diseases of the nails on the hands and feet of children? Children suffer from almost all diseases that occur in adults. Particularly susceptible to fungal diseases are those children who attend kindergarten, school, other public places - swimming pools, gyms.

Children can develop koilonychia, leukonychia, onychogryphosis, and many other diseases. How to treat nail diseases depends on the form and type of the pathological process. The treatment is carried out by a mycologist, who, after conducting a series of studies, prescribes the most effective and safe drugs.

For diseases caused by a fungus, local treatment is carried out by processing the nail plate:

Clotrimazole

Nystatin ointment,Citrosept

Mycospore

When the pathological process is neglected, the intake of antifungal agents inside becomes inevitable.

For any onychodystrophies, it is considered useful to alternate local baths with warm vegetable oil and sea salt, as well as rubbing an oil solution of vitamin A or vitamin creams into the nail plates in the evening.

(1 estimates, d average: 5,00 out of 5)

Useful articles

Koilonychia in children under 10 years of age is considered the norm. Parents of newborn babies, preschoolers should not worry too much about this if the child's concave nails have not changed color, have not begun to exfoliate or become stained. How to determine that you need to see a doctor and take up treatment, why concavity appears, we will tell in our article.

From this article you will learn

Features of the structure of nails

Babies are born with thin, transparent nail plates on the toes. Sometimes they are so long that they have to be cut already in the hospital so that the baby does not injure himself. Keratin plates in newborns are not at all like the nails of adults. They will acquire a normal appearance after a while.

By the appearance of the baby's nails, it is possible to determine the lack of vitamins, especially intrauterine development. Normally, infant fingernails and toenails have a pink tint, an even surface, and do not exfoliate.

The keratin plate changes gradually. Fully formed and coarse on the hands by the age of 4, on the legs - by 10. Such a runaway in the development of nails is explained by the weakness of the plates on the feet, frequent injuries, wearing shoes and the peculiarities of care.

Toenails up to 10 years old can be concave, grow convex and incorrectly - all these external defects in childhood are considered the norm. Most often, the little toe and thumb are affected, as the weakest elements of the foot. It is these fingers that need careful care and attention most of all.

There is no need to treat koilonychia in a child. If the defect does not disappear in adolescence and adulthood, then we are talking about autoimmune pathologies leading to tissue damage and the development of inflammation. In this case, additional diagnostics need to be carried out, perceiving a curved nail as a sign and symptom of a more serious disease.

Main reasons

Toenails buckle due to the following internal malfunctions of the body and external factors:

  • Deficiency of calcium, iron, minerals and other vitamins.
  • Unbalanced diet. This factor is especially often manifested in diathetic and allergic babies. Parents have to exclude from the menu a lot of generally useful products, because of the negative reactions to them in a particular child.
  • Circulatory and metabolic disorders. The tissues are deficient in nutrients.
  • Improperly fitted, tight shoes. The toes are compressed, the feet are sweating, the tissues of the epidermis and the keratin plate are deformed.
  • Injuries. Outdoor games, kicks on the ball bend the nail, provoke its weakening and stratification.
  • Incorrect manicure and pedicure. The baby needs special care. Mothers should find out so as not to damage the plate, not disrupt the direction of its growth, and avoid bending. The nails on the legs are cut in a straight line, on the hands - in the form of a smile.
  • Fungus. possible in the pool, when wearing someone else's shoes or socks, through plants and soil. In children, the fungus causes sweating of the feet and poor hygiene. That is, mothers forget to wash their kids' feet after a walk, before a night's sleep, they force them to wear warm slippers and boots in hot weather.
  • Anatomical feature. If the relatives of the child have the same problem without the presence of other diseases, when concavity becomes an alarming symptom, then we are talking about the inheritance of an unusual shape of the marigold. There is no need to treat and diagnose this factor.

Treatment methods

A dermatologist and a therapist are involved in the therapy and diagnosis of the causes of the concavity of children's marigolds. It is necessary to seek medical help for such symptoms after the child reaches 10 years of age. If the nails are bent earlier, at a year or two, and the plate is covered with spots, the cuticle is inflamed, there is pus under the nail, then, of course, there is no need to wait for the baby to grow up. The cause of the defects lies in infection and other pathologies.

Treatment begins with an examination. The doctor is obliged to exclude the fungal nature of the plate defect, check for the presence of autoimmune abnormalities. After receiving the results of a blood test, scrapings, immunograms, appropriate drug treatment or supportive therapy is prescribed.

Drug treatment

It is prescribed only by a doctor, it is impossible to independently treat the fungus, violations of protective functions and other pathologies.

  1. To saturate the body with trace elements, minerals, it will be necessary to drink vitamin complexes sufficiently. The duration of treatment is at least a month.
  2. Antifungal medicines. Ointments, tablets, antibiotics in extreme cases. For babies from 2 years old, Exoderil (cream), Terbizil, Mycosan are allowed. Pharmacies sell special antifungal varnishes that can also be used from an early age.

Additional treatments

To correct the current situation with nails, parents need to try to correct shortcomings in the care, life support of the baby. Analyze the possible causes of concave nails in a young child. If you find something similar to your case, take the following measures:

  • Buy shoes one size larger or free-tailoring. Pay attention to the material for sandals, sneakers. For summer, buy shoes made from breathable fabric, with open toes and toes. Do not wear 3 pairs of socks under boots or felt boots. This constrains the movement of the foot, injures the nails and provokes sweating.
  • Correct the children's menu. Add fruits (especially kiwi, apples, bananas, they are high in iron) and dairy products to the diet. Prepare fish dishes 2-3 times a week, with good meat every day.
  • Do not wash your child's hands and feet often with soap, shower gels. Cosmetic products dry the skin, nail plate. Use clean water or buy special baby bath products.
  • Lubricate your nails with creams, oils. Buy liquid vitamin E, baby cream, apricot oil. Use any product several times a day to lubricate your fingers and toes.
  • Observe hygiene standards. Teach your baby to wash his feet after a walk, several times a day in hot weather, before bed. Avoid wearing warm woolen socks if your feet are sweating excessively.
  • Use herbal soaks. Calendula, chamomile strengthen the nail bed, the keratin layer. Carry out the procedure 1-2 times a week, for 15-20 minutes.
  • Strengthen your nails with salt. Sea salt should be added to the bathing water or to the foot bath container. For 10 liters of liquid - 3 tablespoons of sea or ordinary salt + 3 drops of iodine.
  • Get your pedicure on time. If the nails grow too long, then they have to twist, break when rubbing against shoes. Trim them regularly if you notice that the plate has gone 2-3 mm beyond the cuticle edges.
  • Change your pedicure tools. Buy special scissors and forceps, disinfect them before first use.
  • Remove the ingrown toenail in a timely manner. In advanced cases, surgical assistance will be required. Subsequently, parents need to monitor the injured finger, learn how to properly do a pedicure so that the marigolds do not grow in.

Hair, nails, skin are the mirror of the body. According to their condition, a lot can be said about the health of an adult and a child. Pay attention to body prompts, don't miss alarms. This will help to diagnose pathology in time, cure diseases. In this case, a false alarm will not be superfluous.

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