Nail Disorders
What is a Nail Disorder?
A nail disorder can include any one of a number of conditions associated with the nails. These conditions can include fungal infections, bacterial infections, damage related to co-existing conditions, and injury. The specifics of a nail disorder and how to treat it will depend on what condition a patient has. Typically, nail disorders are not life-threatening but they can be indicative, in some cases, of more serious underlying disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Nail Disorders
Changes to your nails due to a nail disorder will vary greatly from one condition to the next. Some signs to look for include:
- Discoloration
- Changes in the shape of the nail
- Changes in the thickness of the nail
- Brittleness
- Bleeding around the nail bed
- Swelling or redness
- Pain in the nail
- A nail detaching from the skin
What Causes a Nail Disorder?
There is a wide range of disorders and conditions that might trigger a nail disorder. Some of the most prominent are:
- Psoriasis: For some patients with psoriasis, there can also be nail involvement that manifests as nail divots (pitting) or yellowish discoloration.
- Eczema: For those who suffer from different forms of hand eczema, the inflammation on the hands can cause disruptions of nail growth leading to ridges forming as the nail grows out.
- Paronychia: This is an infection of the skin around the nail. Symptoms include redness, pain, swelling, and pus formation.
- Onychomycosis: This common condition is a fungal infection of the nail, usually diagnosed by yellow, thickened, and brittle nails.
If your nails are showing signs of a nail disorder, you should consult closely with your doctor to determine an underlying cause.
