Guide to diseases and problems with nails: diagnostics, causes and ways to eliminate 12 diseases

In addition to being a final touch on our look, nails can also serve as a window into our general health. Numerous problems can affect the state of our nails, ranging from fungal infections to vitamin deficiencies. By being aware of these issues, we can better take care of our nails and get the help we need. We’ll look at 12 common nail conditions and diseases in this guide, along with how to identify the symptoms and treat them.

Each section will focus on a particular ailment and provide helpful guidance on how to diagnose and treat it. Understanding the underlying causes of any growths, brittleness, or discoloration you’re dealing with can help you find the best solutions. By the time it’s through, you’ll know exactly how to keep your nails looking great and feel confident enough to tackle any problems that may come up.

Continue reading if you’ve noticed any changes or have concerns about your nails. In order to help you take proactive measures to preserve the strength and beauty of your nails, this guide intends to serve as your go-to resource for knowledge on managing nail health.

Delamination of nails

Delamination is a problem that can be transient, seasonal, or persistent. Everything is dependent upon the underlying causes. Among them are:

• genetic predisposition;
• systematic physical injuries, such as bruises, chips, prolonged compression;
• frequent contact with water;
• psoriasis;
• lack of calcium, magnesium, iron, sulfur and zinc in the diet – structural elements of the horny plates;
• contact with household chemicals, hot water, alkali, etc.
• use of varnishes containing formaldehyde;
• frequent extensions;
• improper removal of extended nails;
• use of acetone-based products to remove varnish;
• hypothermia, constant stay in a room with dry air.

One sign of a long-term illness may be nail delamination. This is the appearance of psoriasis, lichen planus, eczema, iron deficiency anemia, and mycoses (rubrophytosis, epidermophytosis, and candidiasis). And of course, nail plate fungal infection known as onychomycosis. In these situations, the only way to resolve the issue is to provide skilled treatment for the underlying pathology.

Medical systems, like IBX, are used in salons to treat delamination. As damaged areas grow together, they assist in strengthening, deeply nourishing, and gradually restoring the nail plates.

Applying a healing oil to the nails on a daily basis at home is advised to prevent delamination until the damaged areas fuse together. Additionally, gloves are required for all housework and gardening tasks. Make sure not to come into contact with harsh materials, and avoid using cheap varnishes and acetone-based solvents.

Maintain a balanced diet, particularly during the off-season, to give the body the vitamins and minerals it needs to continue growing strong nails. Consume the balanced complexes that your doctor has prescribed for breakfast; one tablet per day is sufficient to enhance overall health.

Fragility

Painful situations may result from the plates breaking both horizontally and vertically due to this issue. Nails with brittle tend to be thin, grow slowly, and need constant attention.

Reasons behind brittleness:

• Excessive use of nail plate strengthening products;
• Illiterate care;
• Frequent nail extensions with filing of the top layer;
• Constant contact with water and detergents;
• Contact with chemicals and solvents based on acids and alkalis that corrode the plate;
• Lack of vitamins A, D, E, calcium, selenium, zinc, iron;
• Gastrointestinal diseases, stress, anemia, diabetes.

It is advised to use glass and ceramic nail files, massage, paraffin therapy, and hot oil baths when in a salon setting.

It is essential to apply a protective agent prior to applying a decorative coating.

Nail strengthening using a rubber foundation, biogel, and gel for elongation is demonstrated. You can use silk or fiberglass to fix cracks.

Using a keratin complex, a therapeutic massage of the cuticle and nail plate is beneficial. Use vitaminized oils or creams to seal the nails before polishing. If a significant crack has developed, get in touch with your master right away. If not, pathogenic microorganisms may be able to penetrate it and cause an inflammatory and infectious process to arise.

Use warm oil and salt baths (for no more than ten minutes) to take care of fragile dishes at home. Using strengthening oil will protect against delamination and brittleness. Use it every day until the trouble spots reappear. Additionally, wear gloves whenever you come into contact with chemicals, detergents, or water.

Bitten nails

The practice of onychophagia, or biting nails down to living tissue, results in a number of issues with maintaining the plates both at home and in salons, in addition to their unsightly appearance. The incapacity to express negative emotions has long been known to be the cause of this type of nervous disorder. An individual who bites their nails is experiencing irritation, anger, and rage.

Usually, one of the following detrimental elements leads to the development of a bad habit:

• Anxiety, low self-esteem.
• Guilt.
• Inflated demands on oneself.
• Unfavorable family environment.
• Problems of social interaction.
• Excessive physical, mental, psycho-emotional stress.

When bacteria and microbes enter, damaged cuticles and biting nails become potential foci of inflammation. You might be prescribed antibiotics or antifungals as a form of treatment. Additionally, sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressants are necessary when dealing with extreme emotional distress.

Both the extension process and the application of bitter varnish will be beneficial in salon settings. Because artificial material is more resilient, it shields natural plates from harmful habits.

Peeling is possible because biting nails grow more quickly and release more fat and moisture during the growth process. This is something the master should be aware of. Proper dehydration and the application of tested primers are prerequisites for the application of artificial material.

At home, the desire to break a bad habit, the use of oil to restore the plates, and bitter varnish will help. Without it, every action is short-lived and only partially successful.

Mechanical damage

One of the most frequent issues with nails is damage sustained during the removal of gel polish or extension materials, which can further cause brittleness, delamination, and peeling of the nails.

Causes of nail damage from materials used as extensions:

• Intensive filing of artificial material with the removal of part of the natural plate;
• Excessive removal of the natural shine of nails before extension;
• Using metal cutters to remove gel polish and gel. It is better to use ceramics, especially for beginners in hardware manicure;
• Tearing off gel polish and artificial nails from the natural plate;
• Incorrectly selected files and cutters for natural nails in terms of abrasiveness and size.

In a salon setting, the issue of nails that are slightly damaged and sawed is resolved by applying a leveling and strengthening coating such as acrylatika, biogel, gel, or rubber base.

To prevent potential damage to the plates, masters should abide by the manufacturer’s recommendations for each material and tool used. The best methods for removing gel polish and artificial coating are soaking or filing with ceramic cutters that have blue notches. This should be performed at 6,000–10,000 rpm with fluid motions and light pressure.

Strengthening coatings and restorative oils are used at home to treat filed or damaged nails.

Yellow nails

There are both internal and external factors that can lead to nail yellowing. Among them are:

• Smoking;
• Liver problems;
• Aggressive chemical components of detergents;
• Acetone and low-quality varnishes, expired nail care products;
• Dystrophic onychia or yellow nail syndrome;
• Fungus;
• Psoriasis.

It is advised that the master in the salon use a thick base or camouflage gel for the coating in order to conceal the color. In the event that yellowing is indicative of a medical condition, you may also advise the client to have a test. The truth is that this kind of coloring can signal the onset of dangerous illnesses. This is an important diagnostic indicator for lymphostasis, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and cancerous processes. Complications are less likely the earlier treatment starts.

Wear gloves and stay away from chemicals when you’re at home. The plates can be made whiter with hydrogen peroxide and soda-salt baths.

Pits or holes in the nails

They may be distributed haphazardly or in even rows, and they may have varying diameters and depths. Another name for the issue is nail punctures that resemble thimbles. For a number of reasons, only a medical professional, after searching for more symptoms, can accurately diagnose a patient.

Potential reasons:

• Spleen pathologies;
• Psoriasis;
• Incorrect removal of decorative coating or extended materials;
• Fungus, infections;
• Injuries and exposure to chemicals;
• Dystrophy;
• Vitamin and microelement deficiency;
• Endocrine disorders;
• Collagenoses.

The master can apply a leveling coating beneath the varnish—rubber base, biogel, gel, or acrylic—after eradicating persistent, infectious diseases.

Hot oil baths, iodine applications, nourishing and restorative oils, and wearing gloves for housework are all suggested at-home treatments for pitted nails. A healthy diet and the use of vitamin and mineral supplements promote the growth of strong nail plates. Also take note that it is preferable to decline extensions, nail polish, and decorative varnishes while receiving treatment.

Hangnails and periungual cracks in the skin

Tears in the nail folds and cuticle cause hangnails. They look unsightly, frequently bleed, and cause pain and discomfort.

Ignored hangnails can cause periungual cracks in the skin and open the door for bacterial and fungal infections, which can cause inflammation.

Reasons why nails hang:

• Dry skin and plates;
• Frequent contact with water and chemicals;
• Sensitive skin;
• Nail biting (onychophagia);
• Incorrect cuticle trimming, blunt manicure tools;
• Chapping and changes in ambient temperature in the off-season;
• Working with various chemicals without gloves;
• Poor hand hygiene;
• Using low-quality nail polishes, acetone-based liquids;
• Using materials with methyl methacrylate when building nails;
• Unbalanced nutrition, diet, fasting;
• Gastrointestinal diseases;
• Dysbacteriosis;
• Diabetes mellitus.

Hot oil bath treatments and either cold or hot paraffin therapy will benefit the master in a salon.

Put on safety goggles at home, massage nourishing oil into the cuticles twice a day, and perform nourishing and protective cream masks at night while wearing silicone or polyethylene mittens. Naturally, if there are no contraindications, make sure to consume a minimum of 2.5 liters of liquid.

Very rough skin around the nails

Depending on the working environment and the features of the skin, the issue may be seasonal, transient, or permanent.

Common causes of rough skin around nails include:

• Excessively intensive cutting of the cuticle, which results in active regeneration processes, and the skin quickly grows and roughens;
• Hereditary features of the structure of the skin;
• Reaction to exposure to chemicals, household or industrial;
• Seasonal chapping, dryness;
• Allergic reaction;
• Stress;
• Lack of vitamins and minerals in the body;
• Intensive filing of the cuticle and lateral ridges during hardware manicure;
• Eczema;
• Biting off hangnails.

When dealing with such a problem, masters are advised to minimize cuticle cutting in order to prevent aggravating the regeneration process.

Gradually transitioning to an uneducated manicure is preferable. The skin and cuticles can be made softer with paraffin therapy and hot oil baths.

Make hot oil baths at home, use cuticle oil twice a day, and sleep with cosmetic petroleum jelly covered in polyethylene. Put on gloves and complete your homework.

Maintaining overall health and beauty requires an understanding of nail health. This guide examines twelve prevalent nail conditions and issues, providing a thorough analysis of their signs, origins, and workable fixes. From identifying fungal infections to addressing nutritional deficiencies, we’ll simplify every topic and offer helpful guidance to help you maintain strong, healthy nails.

Horizontal and vertical strips

Leukonichia is the name of the disease, which is occasionally accompanied by the development of longitudinal and transverse tubercles. It is also a pathology brought on by problems with the nail’s keratinization process.

Reasons for white stripes that are vertical or horizontal:

• The impact of materials for building with prolonged wearing of artificial plates;
• Cuts with hardware manicure;
• Damage to the growth zone or matrix for hardware or tearing manicure, building;
• Central nervous system diseases;
• Hereditary predisposition;
• Age-related changes in the structure of the plates;
• Disorders of the endocrine system;
• Cardiovascular disease;
• Circulatory problems;
• Metabolic disorders, unbalanced diet;
• Fungus;
• Psoriasis;
• Stress.

If a disease is the root cause, a physician should diagnose it and determine the best course of action. The master in the salon can advise the client to get examined, and use bases and self-leveling varnishes, biogel, structuring gel, or camouflage gel underneath the coating for correction.

The same leveling techniques that you can use at home to fix stripes or bumps visually are biogel, rubber base or dense gel polish, and shellac. You won’t be able to use such care to improve the health of your nails if you follow extremely rigid diets or eat poorly and consistently. Speak with a nutritionist; he can assist you with diet modifications.

Peeling

Peeling of the nails can be caused by both internal and external factors. Onycholysis is the disease’s medical term. A nail infection causes the nail to become rough and hazy. Only 30–40% of cases can have onycholysis completely resolved.

Why does onycholysis occur?

• Damage, undermining;
• Incorrectly selected shoes;
• Saw cuts;
• Peeling off and chipping of extended materials that “pull” the natural plate;
• Failure to comply with the technology of extension and coating with gel polish and other long-term materials;
• Overwearing of artificial coating, untimely correction;
• Human papillomavirus;
• Cardiovascular and endocrine diseases;
• Fungus and bacterial infections;
• Psoriasis;
• Eczema;
• Allergy.

If the cause of the delamination is overwear of the coating, a nail salon specialist will remove the free edge and perform an artificial material extension.

It is impossible to further erode the delamination edge. Refer the patient to a physician if the condition is serious. He needs to choose prescription drugs, such as ones that correct the balance of vitamins and minerals internally. Surgical intervention and the application of dressings containing antibacterial and antiseptic solutions are necessary in cases of severe detachment. In nail restoration, the long-term use of gelatin solutions in different concentrations has shown benefits.

Infections caused by bacteria and fungi may require treatment for the client; these conditions cannot be made better by covering them with a coating. You can’t undermine the detachment site at home. If there’s even the slightest indication of a fungal infection or infection, you should see a doctor. You should also trim your nails short and wear protective gloves when cleaning. Select shoes that are comfortable for your feet.

Splitting of the nail plate into layers

Splitting of the nail plate, which impacts the deep layers of the plate, is a more serious issue than delamination of the edge.

Onychorrhexis, or longitudinal splitting, starts at the free edge and progresses in the direction of the matrix.

Reasons for the nail’s longitudinal splitting:

• Fungal infections;
• Bacterial infections;
• Eczema;
• Psoriasis;
• Lichen planus;
• Constant contact with acidic and alkaline compounds, formaldehyde.

Onychoschisis, also known as transverse splitting, results from ongoing physical microtrauma to the free edge. Additional explanations

• Overdrying with acetone, varnishes;
• Intensive filing of the upper layers of the plate during extension and application of long-term coatings;
• Constant contact with chemicals and water.

In the first instance, a doctor should perform the diagnosis and treatment, and a manicurist should perform the subsequent correction and alignment.

In the second scenario, extending or filing the delaminated edge is sufficient before applying a leveling coat.

Using gloves, you can easily remove the delamination at home and then watch for the growth of a healthy nail. You can expedite the process by using nourishing and moisturizing creams, sea salt, herbs, and essential oils in warm baths. Home physical therapy techniques such as ozokerite and paraffin applications with natural wax are also beneficial.

Cracking

Excessive physical stress on the plates in the absence of a strengthening coating or physical injuries cause nails to break.

Additional reasons why things break:

• Excessive length;
• Untimely correction of the shape and length of artificial plates;
• Sawing the plate in the area of ​​​​the side ridges and fold lines, they cannot withstand everyday loads;
• Very dry plates;
• Incorrect architecture of the artificial coating during extension.

In a salon, the master will adjust the plate’s length, shape, and architecture and offer restoration advice if the crack extends past the free edge. Usually, the process of correction involves filing or removing the crack, then adding a layer of reinforcement or creating a new artificial plate.

At home, use tweezers or scissors to cut off the area that has a crack, then file the area to remove any sharp edges.

Green nails

The plates in the case of "green nails" can become anywhere from greenish-blue to green-brown in color. The plates’ color could be due to a number of factors. The most typical

• Bruise from physical injury, bruise;
• Candida fungus;
• Aspergillus fungus;
• Bacterial infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Pseudomonas.

For this reason, if your nails start to turn green and it’s not a bruise, you should see a doctor right away. Only in laboratory conditions is it possible to identify the disease’s causative agent and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Once the cause has been determined, the affected area must grow together for three to four months while receiving treatment with antibiotics or antifungal agents. Only then can a long-term coating be applied once more. Regarding the preventative and therapeutic use of the antifungal medication Mykostop.

In order to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa from affecting live tissue, you cannot seal a green nail at home with gel or varnish. If you do, you run the risk of developing blood poisoning.

Take baths containing tea tree oil, calendula tincture, and oak bark in addition to medication therapy. However, keep in mind that using traditional medicine does not negate the need for pharmaceutical medications. To lighten slightly painted plates, try soda baths, hydrogen peroxide treatments, and dissolved aspirin tablets.

If sections of the green nail are discovered beneath the coating, it is advised to send the client for an examination given the conditions of the cabin. Some experts treat the green area with acid (acid primer, vinegar solution, or lemon wedge), file it off with a machine, and then reapply the coating, believing it to be a fungus. It is debatable whether these manipulations are effective. First of all, doing it this way will not destroy the fungus. Second, it might be an extremely serious bacterial infection that spreads fast to other nails.

You cannot, however, be certain that it is a fungus and not Pseudomonas aeruginosa without conducting medical testing. Use caution and suggest that the client speak with a specialist if the affected areas are extensive and penetrate deep into the plate.

Which of these issues have you dealt with? Regarding which conditions would you like further information in-depth? Please write a comment for us.

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4 comments on “Guide to diseases and problems with nails: diagnostics, causes and methods of eliminating 12 diseases”

Olga

With Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whom should I consult a specialist? You should include a discussion of this in your articles. Not every city has a nail disease expert. surgeon or dermatologist?

Editorial staff

Hi there, Olga! Responding is Lyudmila Sheveleva: Self-diagnosis is not possible. Only an expert in infectious diseases can perform this, after which they will administer additional care. A surgeon must consult in cases of extensive purulent lesions, and other specialized specialists are involved based on the circumstances. It is best to get in touch with a dermatologist if you think you may have pseudomonas aeruginosa pathology and the medical facility does not have an infectious disease specialist on staff. He is fully qualified to diagnose and treat the illness.

Svetlana

One of my fingers—more specifically, the corners of the finger close to the nail plate—regularly becomes inflamed following a hardware manicure. I try not to come into contact with anything that can infect for the first day following a manicure, and I always use antiseptics. When doing a manicure, the cuticle frequently becomes more sensitive. Despite efforts to make the process more delicate, the issue still persists. The last time my finger became inflamed, I even turned to a surgeon’s services. It’s unfortunate if you have to decline a manicure, but I’m at a loss for what to do. Give advice on how to behave. Regards

NASTYA

All the master has to do is swap out the device’s nozzle for yours. Sadly, there aren’t many accomplished hardware manicure masters. Furthermore, nearly everything is restricted to two or three nozzles. However, the master must choose each one separately because every client has a different level of power. If you’d like, you can switch to the overlay.

Disease/Problem	Description and Solution
Fungal Infection	Discoloration and thickening of nails. Often treated with antifungal creams or oral medication.
Hangnails	Small tears in the skin around the nail. Keep cuticles moisturized and trim hangnails carefully.
Nail Psoriasis	Pitting, discoloration, and thickening. Treatments include topical creams and UV light therapy.
Ingrown Nails	Nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain. Soak in warm water and consider trimming the nail properly or seeing a doctor.
Nail Biting	Can lead to infections and damage. Keep nails trimmed and find stress-relief methods to stop the habit.
Yellow Nail Syndrome	Yellowing and thickening of nails. May be linked to respiratory issues; see a doctor for underlying causes.
Beau"s Lines	Horizontal grooves in nails, often due to illness or stress. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause.
Splinter Hemorrhages	Red or brown lines under the nail, often due to trauma. Usually harmless, but persistent cases should be evaluated by a doctor.
Onycholysis	Nail separates from the nail bed, often due to trauma or infection. Keep nails dry and consult a healthcare provider.
Nail Dystrophy	Abnormal nail shape or texture. Causes vary; treatment depends on the specific condition.
White Spots	Small white dots on the nails, often due to minor trauma. Usually harmless and will grow out with the nail.
Clubbed Nails	Nails become rounded and bulbous. Can be a sign of underlying health issues; seek medical advice.

It is essential to comprehend the various illnesses and issues that can impact your nails in order to preserve the general health of your nails. Early diagnosis and cause identification allow you to take appropriate action to treat and prevent problems. The first step to having healthier nails is identifying the symptoms and getting the care you need, whether it’s for fungal infections, nail trauma, or other conditions.

Preventing numerous common nail problems is largely dependent on practicing good nail hygiene and care. Developing a nail care regimen that incorporates consistent cleaning, moisturizing, and shielding your nails can help reduce hazards. When issues do occur, you must take quick action to prevent further damage and maintain the best possible condition for your nails.

You now know how to treat and manage each nail condition that was covered in this guide by going deeper into its details. Recall that the best way to maintain strong, gorgeous nails is to be proactive and knowledgeable about nail health. Never be afraid to seek the advice and treatment options of a healthcare professional if you are experiencing ongoing problems.

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