Fingernail Disorders
Fingernails are made of a hard protein called keratin. The only living part of the nail is called the matrix, which lies beneath the epidermis (surface layer of the skin). The dead skin that forms around the nail is known as the eponychium and can easily be removed during a manicure. The nail fold is the part of the nail which overlaps the base and sides of the nail. The nail groove is located down the side of the nail fold. Abnormalities or changes in the finger nails are often related to other disorders or nutritional deficiencies.
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Nail Fungus (Tinea Unguium)
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Tinea Unguium comprises minute organisms that can infect both fingernails and toe nails. Nail fungus is contagious both to your other nails and to other people. Fungal nail infections are common throughout the U.S., infecting between 2 and 4 percent of the population. The symptoms include brittleness of the nail, misshapen nails, crumbling nails and discoloration. Treatment for nail fungus is prescription oral anti-fungal medication. The best prevention is to keep nails cut straight, clean regularly and dry after washing.
Paronychia
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This is an infection producing a swollen and often tender area at the nail fold. This is caused by either a bacterial or a fungal infection, and can flare up suddenly or develop gradually when bacteria enters the nail fold through a cut or tear in the skin. People who have their hands in water for prolonged periods of time may be more prone to this infection due to softening of the skin. Paronychia is highly contagious. Treatment for bacterial paronychia is usually with erythromycin or cephanlexin, whereas treatment for the fungal version is usually with oral fluconazole.
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Onychorrhexis
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Onychorrhexis or brittle nails are dry and flaky and easily break and split. If the problem persists nails will grow weak and misshapen. This is a common problem for people who frequently wash their hands, who have their hands in water for prolonged periods of time or whose work involves rough treatment of the hands such as construction workers or manual laborers. The best prevention is to keep nails dry and use protective gloves if you do rough work or have to keep them in water. You can treat brittle nails with moisturizing lotion or oils.
Pseudomonas
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This is a bacterial infection which may occur between the nail itself and the nail bed or between an artificial nail and the natural nail. The infection results in a greenish discoloration of the nail. Like many nail disorders, pseudomonas thrive in moisture and live off dead skin and bacteria in the nail plate. The discoloration of the nail indicates the path that the bacteria is traveling. It may also cause the nail to become detached from the nail bed. Treatment involves the application of topical antibiotics.
Psoriasis
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Psoriasis of the fingernails results in dry, scaly nails and surrounding skin that is sometimes confused with eczema because of a similar appearance. Once the psoriasis has attacked the nail it will become pitted and extremely dry and will often crumble. The nail may become separated from the nail bed. If you are suffering from psoriasis of the fingernail you should consult a dermatologist for treatment.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Creative Commons: Joe Shlabotnik's
