What is it?
The nails of the hands and feet are formed by a protein called keratin and have the function of protecting the tissues of the fingers. Like the rest of the body, they can also suffer different diseases, that despite not being serious and being easy to treat, should
Who does it affect?
Nail infections affect both men and women equally and can appear at any age..
Causes
The causes of nail diseases can be multiple, but mainly the main sources are:
- Hereditary
- Stress
- Bad nutrition
- Contamination
- Accumulation of toxins and chemicals
More common diseases
MYCOSIS
It’s an infection caused by an uncontrolled reproduction of microscopic fungi. It’s characterized by the elevation of a part of the nail by the accumulation of a semi-viscose gray secretion, the appearance of small white patches on the surface and the thickening of the infected finger. Treatment depends on the type of fungus that has caused the infection.
NAIL INCARNATE OR NAILED
C’est une condition commune, en particulier chez les jeunes, en raison de la croissance anormale des extrémités de l’ongle, souvent le gros orteil. This grows inside the periungual dock causing a wound, pain, inflammation and even infection if not caught in time.
Usually passes for to use a bad footwear, a bad cut, a hyperspiration of the foot or for deviations or malformations of the fingers.
The treatment that is recommended to be definitive and that the wound isn’t repeated, is the performance of a small intervention to eliminate the part of the nail that is nailed, avoid the shoes that end with tip and cut the nails preferably square.
STRIATED NAIL
It’s a malformation of the surface of the nails that provides a peculiar texture and doesn’t cause pain.
Stretch marks can be:
- Longitudinal stretch marks: are the most common and usually appear with age, from age 60 for hereditary issues. There is no specific treatment.
- Cross-sectional striae or “Beau lines”: Is an alteration in the growth of the nails that can be due to a poor diet, a feverish picture, as a result of certain medicines or as a sign of some serious pathology. In this case it’s advisable to visit the dermatologist quickly to determine the cause and be able to treat it as quickly as possible.
FRAGILE NAIL
In this case the nails break very easily as a result of poor diet, the circulatory deficiency or problems of rheumatism. In older people it can also happen by having the hands in contact with water constantly. There are different treatments to strengthen the nails.
YELLOW NAIL
It’s very common in people smokers as a result of nicotine or in women who usually wear painted nails and use low quality glazes or without base to protect the nail.
They may also reflect diseases of the liver type, fungal infections and/or bacteria or as a result of psoriasis therefore it is very important to consult with a specialist.
ANONYCHIA
It’s characterized by the partial or total absence of the nail. This, according to its origin, can be permanent or temporary.
Treatment
Depending on the condition of the nail, one or the other treatment will be prescribed. However, to minimize these diseases it is recommended:
- Keep nails clean, dry and well cut
- Don’t cut the cuticle to avoid infections
- Protect hands with gloves to perform tasks with water or chemicals.
- Use 100% cotton socks and avoid moisture.
- Wear comfortable, spikeless footwear