Onychogryphosis
Onychogryphosis (pronunciation: /ˌɒnɪkoʊˈɡrɪfəsɪs/), also known as ram's horn nails, is a medical condition that affects the nails of the hands or feet. The term is derived from the Greek words "onyx" meaning nail and "gryphos" meaning curved or hooked.
Definition
Onychogryphosis is characterized by a significant thickening and curving of the nail, often resembling the shape of a ram's horn. This condition can affect one or more nails and is most commonly seen in the elderly or those with a history of neglecting foot care.
Causes
The primary cause of onychogryphosis is often long-term neglect of nail care. However, it can also be caused by a traumatic injury to the nail or underlying nail bed, or as a result of certain medical conditions such as psoriasis, peripheral vascular disease, or onychomycosis (fungal nail infection).
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of onychogryphosis is the abnormal growth of the nail. The nail becomes thickened and curved, often growing in a spiral or hook-like shape. Other symptoms may include pain, difficulty walking (if the toenails are affected), and an increased risk of nail fungus due to the thickened nail providing an ideal environment for fungal growth.
Treatment
Treatment for onychogryphosis often involves regular professional nail care to manage the condition and prevent complications. In severe cases, surgical removal of the affected nail may be necessary. It is also important to treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the abnormal nail growth.
Related Terms
- Onychia: Inflammation of the nail bed
- Onychomadesis: Shedding or separation of the nail
- Onycholysis: Loosening or separation of a nail from its nail bed
- Onychomycosis: Fungal infection of the nail
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Onychogryphosis
- Wikipedia's article - Onychogryphosis
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski