NAIL DISORDERS
Nail discoluration, Nail fingus, Ingrown toenail
What is Nail Disorders?
Nail disorders can be unsightly and sometimes painful. Our clinic specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of nail disorders and we carry out a physical examination, pathological tests and sometimes other investigations in order to determine the cause. Nail problems affect people of all ages. Diet is generally not responsible for abnormal nail changes, unless the person is suffering from severe malnutrition. Some nail conditions need professional treatment from a dermatologist.
Nail discoloration
Nail discoloration, in which the nails appear white, yellow, or green, can result from different infections and conditions of the skin. In about 50% of cases, discolored nails are a result of infections with common fungi that can be found in the air, dust, and soil. There are many species of fungi that can affect nails. By far the most common, however, is called Trichophyton rubrum.
Nail Fungus
Fungal infections, such as tinea, are 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 are at higher risk of fungal infection. There are many different causes of fungal nail infections, and each cause has a treatment of its own.
Nail Splitting
Causes of nail splitting:
- Nutritional Deficiency: Deficiency of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin A can result in splitting of nails.
- Chronic systemic disease: Nail splitting can also be a sign of underlying conditions like chronic liver disease or chronic renal failure.
- Trauma: If you are habituated to nail biting or thumb sucking as a kid, then you could suffer from brittle nails and vertical nail splitting.
Ingrown toenail
Ingrown nails are the nails that penetrate into the nail bed as they grow. They most commonly occur on toenails. The condition is also called Onychocryptosis.
Symptoms of Ingrown nails
- Pain in the nail bed and on the margins of the nail
- Discomfort or pain on wearing closed toe shoes
- Discomfort or pain on putting pressure on the nails