- About Nail Infection / Disorder
Nail fungal infections are the most common diseases of the nails, making up about 50 percent of nail abnormalities. Fungus is normally present on the body, but if it overgrows, it can become a problem.
Both fingernails and toenails are susceptible to infection, which usually appears as discoloration and thickening of the nail, and crumbling edges. The condition most commonly occurs in toenails.
Around 10 percent of the adult population suffers from nail fungus infection. Here we will provide an overview of nail fungal infections, in addition to common causes, treatments, and symptoms.
Bacteria and virus also both cause unsightly change to nails. Bacterial infections target the skin under and around the nail and can lead to nail loss if not treated. Skin viruses cause warts around and sometimes, which doctor can freeze off or chemically treat to remove
• Common causes of fingernails or toenails changes include trauma, aging, and infection and skin diseases
• Certain infections of the heart may cause red lines along your nails
• Herpes infection can also cause painful swelling and blisters
• Psoriasis may cause lifting, discoloration, and thickening
• Toenail fungus and fingernail fungus can cause inflammation around the nail(paronychia)as well as lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed(onycholysis)
- Symptoms of Nail Diseases
The main symptom of the bacterial infection is severe pain over the sides known as paronychia also. It requires immediate attention to relieve the pus. In fungal infection nail turn rough and brittle and hollow in Tinea of the nail which later turns into chronic problem. In candidal infection there is a lateral swelling because of the yeast infection and sometimes painful also. It generally occurs due the repeated washing of the hand. The nail colour also changes.
o Traumatic nail plate damage can cause colour changes and sometimes blackish bluish discoloration because of hematoma formation
o Ingrown toenails are a common problem which is because of the wrong shoe habits and trauma.
o Vertical lines, known as splinter hemorrhages under the nails that are caused by nail injury or certain drugs or diseases.
- Prevention of Nail Diseases
Preventing nail disorders requires hand and foot hygiene. Some suggestions include:
• Keeping nails short, dry, and clean
• Wearing socks that breathe, usually synthetic
• Avoid overexposure to water
• Refraining from picking or biting nails
• Wearing shoes or sandals in public places and pools
• Ensuring that your manicure or pedicure salon properly sterilizes tools
• Using artificial nails and nail polish less often
• Washing hands after touching infected nails
• Avoiding sharing shoes and socks