Hapalonychia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Hapalonychia
Hapalonychia affecting a fingernail
Synonyms	Soft nails
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Soft nails, brittle nails, nail splitting
Complications	Increased risk of nail infections
Onset	Can occur at any age
Duration	Varies, can be chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Nutritional deficiencies, genetic factors, environmental factors
Risks	Malnutrition, exposure to chemicals, trauma to nails
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, patient history
Differential diagnosis	Onychoschizia, onychorrhexis, onychomycosis
Prevention	Adequate nutrition, protective gloves
Treatment	Moisturizers, biotin supplements, avoidance of irritants
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with proper care
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Hapalonychia is a medical condition characterized by soft and thin nails that can easily be bent or torn. It is often associated with iron deficiency anemia, malnutrition, and chronic diseases.

Causes

The primary cause of hapalonychia is often linked to iron deficiency anemia. This condition can also be caused by malnutrition, particularly a deficiency in protein, vitamin A, and B vitamins. Chronic diseases such as liver disease, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders can also lead to hapalonychia.

Symptoms

The main symptom of hapalonychia is soft and thin nails that can easily be bent or torn. Other symptoms may include nail discoloration, nail ridges, and nail pitting.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hapalonychia is usually based on the appearance of the nails. A medical history and physical examination may also be conducted to rule out other conditions. In some cases, a nail biopsy may be performed for further analysis.

Treatment

Treatment for hapalonychia primarily involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include treating any existing iron deficiency anemia, improving nutrition, or managing chronic diseases. In some cases, nail hardeners or biotin supplements may be recommended to strengthen the nails.

See Also

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Malnutrition
• Chronic diseases
• Nail disorders

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