Here is a list of common health issues for your nails. Remember to consult your doctor if you feel like you’re nails are not healthy and need professional help.
Fungal Infections (Onychomycosis): This is probably the most common. You’ll notice your nails getting discolored, thick, and maybe even crumbly. It’s more common in toenails, but fingernails aren’t immune. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications.
Ingrown Nails: Ouch! This one hurts. The nail curls and grows into the surrounding skin, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Sometimes it can get infected, and you might need minor surgery to remove the ingrown part.
Nail Psoriasis: Yep, psoriasis can affect your nails too. You might see pits in your nails or a chalky buildup under the nail. It’s often mistaken for fungus, but the treatment is totally different, so seeing a doc is key.
Paronychia: This is an infection of the skin around the nail, usually caused by bacteria. You’ll notice redness, swelling, and sometimes pus. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-lasting), and treatment usually involves antibiotics or antifungals.
Bacterial Infections: These can happen from a variety of things, like an injury to the nail, nail-biting, or even manicure tools that haven’t been properly sterilized. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain. Antibiotics are usually the go-to treatment.
Beau’s Lines: These are horizontal lines or grooves on the nail, often a sign that something has disrupted nail growth. They can be due to severe illness, malnutrition, or even stress.
Yellow Nail Syndrome: This makes your nails yellow and thick, and sometimes they even stop growing. It’s rare but can be associated with respiratory diseases or lymphedema.
Leukonychia: Also known as “white spots” on the nails. Despite the popular myth, they’re usually not due to a calcium deficiency. They’re often harmless and can result from a minor injury to the nail.
Clubbing: This is when the tips of your fingers enlarge and the nails curve around the fingertips. It’s usually a sign of low oxygen levels in your blood and could be a symptom of various diseases, like lung or heart issues.
Koilonychia: Also known as “spoon nails,” this is when the nails become soft and look scooped out. It can be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia or may be linked to other conditions like hypothyroidism.
Lichen Planus: A condition that can affect the skin, mouth, and nails. In nails, it can lead to ridges, thinning, and splitting. It’s often treated with corticosteroids.
So if you notice something funky going on with your nails, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options. Better safe than sorry, right?