Nails are often mistaken for an unlikely body part of the disease. Though its important role makes nail disease quite disturbing. Some nail disease can even be a symptom of serious illness.
As we get older, nails will become more vulnerable. Such natural changes are generally harmless and do not need special handling. But there are certain changes that seem to indicate more serious conditions.
Below are the two most common nail diseases:
1. Ingrown Toenails (Ingrown Toenails)
Under normal circumstances, nails and hands grow straight. But sometimes in some people, the edge of the nail grows into the flesh and injures the soft tissue. It can cause swelling, pain, and redness. This nail disorder is actually the most common and the big toe is the most commonly affected.
What are the causes of this ingrown toenail?
- Precise nail trimming such as cutting too deep or not using nail clippers.
- The tips of the toes are too tight in the shoes that are too small, so pressing against each other.
- Repeated injuries to the toes due to daily activities.
- Hereditary factors which nails tend to grow into the flesh.
- If you have an infection from an ingrown toenail, one way to deal with it is to soak your feet in warm salt water or soapy water. Then apply plaster and antiseptic to the affected area. Avoid trimming the tip of the nail unless you can see the tip of the nail easily. If you push yourself, Paronychia will be more severe. You may need to see a doctor for more appropriate treatment.
While in people with diabetes, patients with peripheral blood vessel disorders, and patients with other circulatory disorders should not handle this disorder alone and immediately consult a doctor.
Generally the doctor will cut the part of the nail that goes inside and prescribe topical or drinking medicine to deal with the infection. If the condition is repeated continuously, then the doctor will apply the procedure to cut the edge of the nail along with some of the nail meat to prevent further Paronychia.
2. Nail infected with fungus (Onikomikosis)
Nail disease is characterized by the discoloration of toenails that worsen over time, resulting in nails become dull and look bad. This condition actually occurs due to fungal infection beneath the surface of the nail. This infection makes the toenails become darker and smell smelly. This condition if left unchecked can actually spread to the skin up to the fingers.
However, many people who let this condition because initially did not cause pain for years. Though this nail disease can cause the nails become thickened so difficult to cut, and cause pain in the foot when wearing shoes. In some cases when the infection has reached the fingers or toes, the patient becomes difficult to work and walk.
Onychomycosis can affect humans in places where people often walk barefoot like swimming pools and showers, especially when there is nail injury. People with certain diseases such as diabetes, immune disorders, and vascular diseases are also more at risk for this nail disease.
3. Nail Disease as a Symptom of Serious Disease
In addition to diseases that specifically attack the nail, some changes in the nail can be a sign of another disease. Therefore, nails become one of the indicators to detect the presence of dangerous diseases that suffered by the body. Here are some nail diseases that can be symptoms of serious illness:
- Yellow Nail Syndrome
This situation occurs when the nail becomes thicker and does not grow as fast as usual. In some cases, the nails may be short of cuticles and even loose from the fingers. This condition can be caused by: malignancy of the organs in the body, limpedema or swelling of the hands, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disorders such as sinusitis and chronic bronchitis, and the presence of fluid between the lung shell (pleural effusion).
- Finger clubbing (Clubbing fingers)
Conditions when fingernails harden and rounded around the fingertips. This disease can generally occur due to low levels of oxygen in the blood that is usually associated with conditions such as cardiovascular disorders, AIDS, liver disorders, lung and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Line Mees'
This condition is characterized by a white line across the nail. This line can generally be a sign of arsenic poisoning. To be sure the doctor will usually take a sample of hair or other body tissue for examination.
- Koilonychia
It is a condition when the nail becomes curled out to form like a spoon. This nail disease can be a symptom of several other diseases such as heart problems, lupus, iron deficiency anemia, and hypothyroidism.
- Leukonychia
Irregular white lines or dots on the nails are generally caused by a certain collision. It is not dangerous.
- Nail grooved (pitting nails)
The indentation of the nail is commonly seen in people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease that causes the skin to become dry, reddened, and irritated.
- Terry's nails
This nail disease occurs when the tip of each nail turns dark. In addition to the effects of aging, this condition can be caused by certain diseases such as liver disorders, diabetes, and heart disease.
Experiencing one of the above nail diseases does not necessarily signify that you must have certain serious illnesses. However, it is better to check yourself to the doctor if there are changes in color, shape, or thickness of the nails. Beware if the nails become brittle, hollow, bleeding, swelling, pain around the nails, and nails that are detached from the skin.
Keeping Health Nails
Meanwhile, to maintain nail health, there are many things that can be done, such as:
- Avoid biting or pulling the tips of the nails without nail clippers.
- Regularly cut the nails and keep the nail clean.
- Use a sharp nail clipper. It is advisable to cut the nails after bathing, while the nails are in soft condition.
- If your nails are brittle, avoid elongating nails and cutting them regularly. Also apply lotions on your nails to keep them moist.
- For toenails, regularly wash your feet with soap and dry them. As much as possible wear footwear in public areas. In addition, replace regularly and keep your footwear clean, including socks.
As one of the most visible parts of the body, it's good to have your own time to treat hygiene and nail health. In addition to beautify themselves, this treatment is useful to protect yourself from the risk of nail disease.
