Nail & Skin Diseases
Nail and skin diseases can be unsightly and painful. The two can be connected to each other, effecting both parts or separate incidents. Here are some nail and skin diseases to look for if you are having problems in these areas.
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Paronychia
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Paronychia is when bacteria, fungus or a virus has entered the nail folds. These nail folds are a barrier between the nail plate and other tissue around the nail. There will be redness, swelling and pain in the infected area. Often found on the nails of people whose hands are in water for extended periods of time. It is also very contagious as well.
Beaus Lines
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Beaus Lines are impressions and lines on the top of the nail. These develop from malnutrition, illness, metabolic conditions and chemotherapy. Beaus Lines are the result of when there is an interruption with the protein that is the formation of the nail plate.
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Splinter Hemorrhages
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Splinter Hemorrhages occur when there are blood vessels beneath the nail bed that are damaged from an injury. However, some medications and medical conditions can also cause the disorder. There will be red or reddish brown lines under the nail that look like splinters.
Cherry Anigioma
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A Cherry Anigioma is not contagious and it is a benign tumor of blood vessels that has risen to the surface of the skin. These can be treated by electrodesiccation, where the doctor touches the tumor with an electric needle to destroy the blood vessels. Or liquid nitrogen is sprayed onto the blood vessels to destroy them.
Lichen Planus
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Lichen Planus is not contagious; however, it is extremely itchy rash that commonly occurs on the wrists, ankles and mouth. It can be found anywhere and currently there is no known cause as to why the immune cells attack the skin cells, causing the rash. There is also no known treatment, except Cortisone creams and ointments that lessen the irritation. It is not permanent and typically will disappear in one to two years.
Solar Keratosis
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Solar Keratosis or Actinic Keratosis is a precancerous growth that develops from sun damage to the skin. It is not cancerous; however, if you do not have it treated, it can become cancerous. It is usually scaly and rough and the skin damaged occurs years prior to the lesion developing. These lesions can be removed through surgery or the use of liquid nitrogen and freezing them off.
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