Nail disease

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's weight loss doctor NYC
Philadelphia GLP-1 weight loss and GLP-1 clinic NYC

Nail disease
Onychia, a type of nail disease
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Discoloration, thickening, brittleness, splitting, pain
Complications	Infection, nail loss
Onset	Varies depending on the condition
Duration	Can be acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, trauma, systemic disease, genetic disorders
Risks	Poor hygiene, immunosuppression, diabetes
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, nail biopsy, culture
Differential diagnosis	Psoriasis, lichen planus, fungal infection
Prevention	Proper nail care, avoiding trauma, managing underlying conditions
Treatment	Depends on the cause; may include antifungal medication, antibiotics, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies; some conditions are self-limiting, others may require long-term management
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Finger nail after eradication of paronychia

Nail disease refers to a wide variety of conditions that affect the human nail. These conditions can manifest in various ways, including changes in color, shape, texture, or thickness. Nail diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, injuries, and systemic diseases.

Types of Nail Diseases

There are several types of nail diseases, including:

• Onychomycosis: This is a fungal infection of the nails. It can cause the nails to become discolored, thickened, and brittle.
• Paronychia: This is an infection of the skin around the nail. It can cause redness, swelling, and pain.
• Ingrown toenail: This occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin of the toe. It can cause pain, redness, and swelling.
• Nail psoriasis: This is a condition where the body's immune system attacks the nails, causing them to become thickened and discolored.

Symptoms of Nail Diseases

The symptoms of nail diseases can vary depending on the specific condition. However, common symptoms include:

• Changes in color, such as yellowing or darkening
• Changes in shape or thickness
• Pain or discomfort
• Swelling or redness around the nail
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed

Diagnosis of Nail Diseases

Diagnosis of nail diseases typically involves a physical examination of the nails. In some cases, a doctor may take a sample of the nail or the skin under the nail to test for infections.

Treatment of Nail Diseases

Treatment of nail diseases depends on the specific condition and its severity. Treatments may include:

• Topical medications
• Oral medications
• Surgical procedures
• Lifestyle changes, such as improved nail hygiene

Prevention of Nail Diseases

Prevention of nail diseases involves maintaining good nail hygiene. This includes keeping the nails clean and dry, avoiding nail biting, and wearing properly fitting shoes.