NAILs SERVICES
NAIL-FINGER NAIL AND TOENAIL PROBLEMS
INTRODUCTION
- Nails support and protect the sensitive tips of our fingers and toes
- Common causes of nail problems include injury, infection, and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Some conditions need professional treatment from a doctor or dermatologist.
- people with diabetes or compromised immune systems have a higher risk of fungal nail infections.
- toenail problems tend to be more common among older people.
Structure of the nail
Nail or made from a protein called keratin. This is the same protein that makes up skin and hair. Nails grow from cells that multiply within the base of the nail, then layer on top of each other and harden. This is called keratinization
The strength, thickness, and growth rate of nails are characteristics that we inherit from our parents. The structure of the nail include
- Nail matrix where nail growth occurs tucked under the skin behind the nail .
- Nail plate-the visible part of the nail
- Nail bed-the nail plate sits on top of the nail bed .The nail plate looks pink because of the blood rich capillaries in the nail bed
- Lunula-the crescent moon shape that you can sometimes see at the base of the nail plate
- Nail folds- the slender skin grooves that hold the nail plate in the place
- Cuticle- the flap of thin tissue over the base of the nail plate.
NAIL CONDITIONS
There are a number of conditions that can affect our nails with different causes and treatments Nail discolouration
The healthy nail plate is pink and the nail looks white as it grows of the nail bed Causes of discoloured nails typically include
- Nail polish
- Nicotine from cigarette smoking
- Hair colouring agents
- Certain infections
- Injury to the nail bed
- Some medications including antibiotics antimalarial medications and some medications used in chemotherapy
- Melanoma
Bacterial infection of the nail
The staphylococcus aureus bacterium is a common cause of bacterial infection of the nail .typically, the infection first takes hold in the fold of skin at the base of the nail (Proxima nail fold ) without treatment the infection can worsen,leading particularly when it becomes chronic.
Activities that predispose a person to a bacterial nail infection include
- Having constantly wet hands
- Overzealous attention to the cuticles
- Severe nail-biting which can expose underlying tissues to infection
- Eczema around the fingernails.
Inflammation of the skin alongside the nail-paronychia
The skin lying alongside the nail can become infected with bacteria, typically Staphylococcus aureus. This infection is called paronychia. symptoms may include pain, redness, swelling around the cuticle, and yellow-green discharge.
Treatment for paronychia includes:
- Keeping your feet as dry as possible
- Use of barrier creams antiseptic lotions and antifungal preparation
- Antibiotic therapy Chronic paronychia (where the condition is present for a long time) is more difficult to treat. In chronic parounychia ,the nail may distort and become discoloured, and the skin may lift at the site of infection . sometimes, the inflammation together are resoponsible for chronic paronychia.
FUNGAL INFECTIONS
Fungal infections such as tinea, or spread from one person to another and can affect the fingernails or toenails without treatment the nail bed itself can become infected people with diabetes or with compromised immune systems higher risk of fungal infection.
The characteristics of a fungal nail infection depend on the cause but may include.
- Lifting of the nail plate of the nail bed
- Thickening of the nail plate
- Crumbling of the nail plate
- Discoloration, usually in streaks
- White, yellow, or green smelly discharge.
- Flaking and pitting of the surfac of the nail plate
Treatment for fungal infection includes
- Antifungal preparation applied topically(directly to the nail) or taken orally (by mouth )
- Professional trimming, shaping and care of the toenail by your podiatrist
TRAUMA TO THE NAIL
A blow to the nail or compulsive nail-biting can cause a range of problems, including.
- Bruising of the nail bed
- Lifting of the nail plate
- Lose of the nail plate
- Nail ridges
- Deformed growth of the nail plate, if the nail matrix is injured.
INGROWN TOENAIL
One of the most common problems treated by podiatrists is ingrown toenails. The big toe is particularly prone to this painful condition. Causes may include:
- Incorrect nail–trimming technique
- Trauma(such as stubbing your toe)
- Nails that naturally curve sharply on the sides and dig into the skin
- Wearing tight shoes.
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury but may include removing the ingrown nail section using a local anesthetic.
Suggestions to prevent ingrown toenail include:
- Trim your straight across rather than rounding of the edges.
- Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes that don’t press your toes.
SKIN DISEASES AND NAILS
Skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema ( dermatitis) lichen planus, or lupus can affect the nails abnormalities may include pits, grooves, or crumbling nails.
OLDER AGE AND NAILS
As our body ages , the growth rate of our fingernails and toenails tends to slow . the change of protein in the nail plate makes nails brittle and prone to slitting discolouration thickening are also common.
In this conditions, the nail plate splits or layers as it grows of the nail bed.
Common causes include
- Having constantly wet hands, especially while using soap and washing ditergents
- Frequently using and removing nail polish
- Continues mild trauma such as habitual finger tapping or using the nails as tools (topic between the teeth for example)
Lifted nail plate
If the nail plate lifts the nail bed it will appear white. Common causes include.
- overzealous clearing under the fingernails
- Nail polishes that contain hardening chemicals such as formalin
- Rough removal of artificial nails
- Psoriasis
- Tinea
Thickened nails
This condition affects the toenails more then fingernails older people are at greater risk causes include.
- Fungal infection
- Neglect
- Injury
- Poor circulation
- Arthritis in the toes
- Altered gait
- ill-fitting shoes
- Psoriasis.
Ridged nails
Ridgeds running either the length or width of the nail plate can have a number of causes,including.
- Age-related change
- Trauma to the nail matrix
- Overzealous attentions to the cuticles
- Fever or illness
- Eczema
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Lichen planus infections
Splitting nails
In this conditions, the nail plate splits or layers as it grows of the nail bed.
Common causes include
- Having constantly wet hands, especially while using soap and washing ditergents
- Frequently using and removing nail polish
- Continues mild trauma such as habitual finger tapping or using the nails as tools (topic between the teeth for example)
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF NAIL PROBLEMS
Any abnormal changes to your nails should be medically investigated. See your doctor for treatment or possible referral to a dermatologist. If the cause of your nail problem is not immediately apparent , your doctor may takes nail clippings and scrapings from beneath the nail for the laboratory analysis . Fingernail infections usually respond faster to treatment than toenail infections.
Depending on the cause treatment may include
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Anti fungal preparation mainly oral tablets for fungal infection in the nails
- Treatment for any contributing skin disease
- Advice on appropriate nail care
Self –help strategies for healthy nails
- Practice good personal hygiene
- Wear protective gloves for wet jobs such as washing the dishes.
- Avoid harsh chemicals such as strongs soap and detergents.
- Avoid or limit the handling of chemicals such as hair dyes
- Take care with the use of nail polish
- Don’t clean under your nail too often or too aggressively
- When giving your self a home manicure do not push back the cuticles
- Don’t smoke
FAQ
Is the doctor a skin specialist?
Yes, the doctor is a certified skin specialist also known as a Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy. The doctor did his MD – Dermatology from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad
How about the range of Pricing?
We provide the client, a much customized packages according to the client´s budget @ a very reasonable pricing level. We care your pockets too.
How do I book an appointment at Ritus Skin and Hair Clinic?
You can book an appointment at Ritu’s by calling our Mobile No +91 99088 77330. Alternatively, you can also share your details on the ‘Book Appointment’ page on our website.
What are the common services provided by a dermatologist?
A Dermatologist provides a wide range of treatments including Acne, Fungal Infections, Hair disorders, Nail problems, Psoriasis, hair loss, skin whitening treatment, hair transplantation,Skin allergy as well as procedures.
Why Patients Choose Us?
- Consult with the best
- Patient Centered Care
- Shared Values
- Latest and advanced technology
What Skin Conditions Do You Treat?
Ritu’s treats all your skin and hair problems, which can be solved by the Dr. K Swaroopa – MD – Dermatology
We Offer Best Hair Treatment
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