Some Facts about Nails

• Nails are the important part of human body.

• The nail plates are hard, translucent and made of hard keratin, a protein also found in hair and skin.

• Nails are protective plates which acts as a shield for the delicate nerve endings and underlying skin.

• Nails normally grows at a rate of 0.1 mm per day but with age and poor circulation nail growth rate slows down. Finger nails grows faster than the toe nails where it usually takes 4-6 months and toe nails take 12-18 months to grow from the base (nail matrix) to the free edge.

What are nail disorders?

Nail disorders are just problems or changes with your fingernails or toenails.Problems that affect the way your nails look, feel, or grow. They can make your nails look strange, hurt, or even fall off.

How can I tell if something is wrong with my nails?

Look out for signs like:

• Color changes (yellow, white, black spots)

• Nails that are thick, thin, cracked, or split

• Pain around the nails

• Nails lifting off the skin

• Strange shapes or bumps

Quick Tip:

If you notice a big change in your nails — like new colors, thickness, pain, or shape changes — it’s smart to check with a doctor(dermatologist). Sometimes nails show early signs of health problems!

How can I tell if something is wrong with my nails?

A few common nail disorders are further classified and discussed.

Nail Infections:

Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)

• Caused by fungi.

• Nails can turn yellow, thick, crumbly, and even smell bad.

• It’s very common — especially on toenails.

Paronychia (Nail Infection of the Skin):

• Infection of the skin right around the nail.

• Can cause redness, swelling, pus, and pain.

• Can be sudden (acute) or last a long time (chronic). Chronic is commonly seen in the people whose hands are repeatedly exposed to wet work, e.g dishwashers, housekeepers, dentists, etc.

Pseudomonas Infection:

• Greenish-blue color under or around the nail

• Bad smell from the infected area

• Redness, swelling, and sometimes pus if the skin is infected

• Nail lifting off the nail bed if it’s under the nail

Herpetic Whitlow:

• It is caused by herpes simplex infection of the finger tips.

• It is extremely painful due to swollen fingertips.

Nail Psoriasis:

• Nails may look pitted (tiny dents), discoloured, thick, or crumbly.

Hand Eczema

• Eczema affects the fingers especially the nails may cause discolouration and horizontal lines and dents appear on it.

Systemic Diseases and Nail Disorders

Clubbing:

• Nails curve down and fingertips get rounder and puffier.

• Can be a sign of lung disease, heart problems, or other serious conditions.

Koilonychia (Concave or Spoon shaped nails):

• Nails look scooped out — like a tiny spoon.

• It is often associated with iron deficiency (anemia).

Terry’s Nail

• It is characterised by white band near the nail base or narrow pink or red band at the top.

• This can be seen in the cases of cirrhosis, heart conditions and onset of diabetes.

Beau’s Lines and Transverse Grooves

• Deep horizontal lines across the nails.

• Usually show up after severe illness, high fever, or major stress, blood loss.

• It's like a "pause mark" showing something interrupted nail growth.

Other Nail Disorders

Hang nail

• It is a condition where small strips of skin separates from the nail fold commonly during the winter months.

Ingrowing nail

• Happens when the edge of your nail grows into the skin.

• Causes pain, swelling, and sometimes infection.

• Usually seen on big toes.

• The ill fitted shoes, trauma or excessive trimming of the nail fold are some of the main causes.

Brittle nail (Onychorrhexis)

• Nails that split, peel, or break easily.

• Can happen from aging, too much handwashing, or health problems like thyroid issues.

Pincer nail

• It is a condition of nail deformity where the nail lateral edges curve inwards pinching the nail bed (especially of the big toe).

• It is a painful, discomforting and cosmetic issues condition.

• Nails becomes difficult to trim due to its thickness.

How do I keep my nails looking good and healthy?

You can prevent many nail abnormalities by maintaining good hygiene and taking good care of your nails. Follow these general guidelines to keep your nails healthy:

• Keep them clean and dry

• Trim them straight across, not too short

• Don’t pick, bite, or rip at them

• Moisturise your hands and your nails

• If you work with water or chemicals, wear gloves

• Always use nails clippers and trim them after you bathe, when nails are still soft.

• Wash you hand and nails frequently and throughly.

• Using sharp manicure scissors, trim your nails straight across, rounding the tips gently.

• Limit use of strong soaps, detergents and other chemicals that can dry out and damage nails.

• Wear gloves when working with chemicals or excessive water.

• Don’t cut cuticles as they protect the nail bed from infections. Their absence creates an entry points for bacteria

• Sanitise nail tools and if you get professional manicures or pedicures, make sure your nail   salon is properly certified and that nail technicians use proper sterilization techniques.

• You should avoid long-term use of nail polish and nail polish removers.

• Give fake nails and harsh polishes a break once in a while

• Choose to wear breathable footwear and socks that keeps your feet dry and reduces the risk of fungal infections.

• If you have a problem with brittle or weak nails, keep them short to avoid breakage.

• Use lotion on your nails and cuticles to keep the nail and nail beds moisturized.

• Consult a dermatologist and get biotin supplements prescribed as it helps in strengthen the nails.

• Consult your Dermatologist if you notice a problem with your nails to rule out any serious conditions and get proper diagnosis and treatment if required.

When should I actually see a doctor?

Here are 14 simple, effective tips for managing teen acne — easy to understand, easy to follow:

• If your nail color changes dramatically (especially black or very dark brown streaks)

• If nails are super painful, swollen, or oozing

• If your nail lifts off and doesn’t reattach

• If you’ve tried creams and home remedies and nothing’s getting better

Healthy nails = Good habits + Quick treatment if problems pop up!

Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.