Although it looks mild, nail disease should not be taken lightly. This is because some nail diseases can be a sign of a serious illness. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the condition of your nails and recognize the various diseases that can attack your nails.
As you age, your nails will become thicker or more brittle and discolored. These changes are generally harmless and can be treated with simple home treatments.
However, if the changes experienced lead to nail disease, this condition certainly cannot be ignored and must receive medical treatment. In more severe cases, nail disease can indicate a serious health problem.
Common Nail Diseases
The most common nail diseases are ingrown toenails and fungal infections. If left unchecked, these two nail diseases can cause discomfort and even prolonged pain. The following is an explanation of the two diseases:
incantation (ingrown toenails)
Ingrown toenails are generally characterized by ingrown toenails and turning into soft flesh. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and redness around the big toe. The part of the toenail most commonly affected by ingrown toenails is the thumb.
There are several causes of ingrown toenails, including:
- Cutting nails too short or not using nail clippers
- Wearing narrow shoes
- Experiencing injuries to the toes due to daily activities
- Have abnormal toenail arches
One way to treat ingrown toenails at home is to soak your feet in warm water mixed with vinegar or Epsom salt (English salt) for 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a day. Next, cover with plaster and antiseptic on the infected area.
However, if these treatments don't work, avoid cutting the tips of your own nails. Immediately consult a doctor if the ingrown toenail gets worse, especially for people with diabetes. The doctor will cut the part of the nail that goes in and prescribe topical or oral medications to treat the infection.
If the use of drugs is not effective for treating the ingrown toenail, the doctor will apply a procedure to cut the edge of the nail along with some of the flesh of the nail so that the ingrown toenail does not occur again.
Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis)
This nail disease is characterized by discoloration of the toenails to become dull. This condition is caused by a fungal infection under the nail, so that the toenail is discolored and cracked or deformed. If left unchecked, the infection can spread to the skin to the entire finger.
Many people with fungal nail infections leave it untreated, because it doesn't hurt at first. Although generally painless, this infection can cause the nails to thicken, making them difficult to cut and making the feet sore when wearing shoes.
The risk of nail fungus infection is higher if you suffer from certain diseases, such as diabetes, immune disorders, and blood vessel disease.
Nail Disease as a Symptom of a Serious Illness
The following are some nail diseases that can be a symptom of a serious disease:
1. Yellow nail syndrome
This condition causes the nails to become thicker and grow longer than usual. In some cases, it could be that the nail lacks cuticle and even falls off the finger.
Yellow nail syndrome can be caused by swollen lymph channels, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory disorders such as sinusitis and chronic bronchitis, as well as fluid buildup in the lungs or pleural effusion.
2. Finger percussion (clubbing fingers)
This condition is characterized by hardened and rounded nails around the tips of the fingers, so that they resemble percussion. This disease can generally occur due to low levels of oxygen in the blood for a long time, intestinal inflammation, and disorders of the heart, liver, and lungs.
3. Mees line
This condition is characterized by the presence of white lines running across the nail and can be a sign of someone experiencing arsenic poisoning. To be sure, the doctor will do a physical examination and blood tests.
4. Koilonikia
Koilonychia is a condition in which the nails curve outwards, forming a spoon-like shape. Nail disease can also be a symptom of several other diseases, such as heart problems, lupus, iron deficiency anemia, and hypothyroidism.
5. Leukonychia
Leukonychia is characterized by the presence of irregular white lines or dots on the nails. This condition is generally harmless and is often caused by an impact on the nail.
However, leukonychia is sometimes associated with poor health or nutritional deficiencies caused by infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, or the consumption of certain drugs.
6. Curved nails (pitting nails)
These curved nails are commonly found in psoriasis sufferers. Psoriasis is a disease that causes dry, red, and irritated skin.
7. Terry's Nails
This nail disease occurs when the tips of the nails turn dark. Apart from aging, Terry's nails are also caused by certain diseases, such as liver disease, diabetes, and congestive heart failure.
Experiencing one of the nail diseases above, does not mean you must be suffering from a serious illness. However, it's a good idea to see a doctor if you notice a change in the color, shape, or thickness of your nails.
How to Maintain Nail Health
To prevent nail disease, keep your nails healthy in the following ways:
- Avoid biting or pulling the tips of your nails without clippers.
- Trim your nails regularly and keep your nails clean.
- Use sharp nail clippers and it is recommended to trim nails after bathing, when the nails are soft.
- Avoid using the same nail clipper with other people.
- Avoid lengthening your nails, especially if you have brittle nails.
- Apply lotion to your nails to keep them moist.
- Wash your feet regularly with soap.
- Wear footwear when outdoors.
- Make sure the footwear and socks used are clean and change them regularly.
- Use shoes that are comfortable and not narrow.
As one of the outermost parts of the body, it's good if you always keep your nails clean and healthy. In addition to beautifying yourself, healthy nails can also protect you from the risk of nail disease.
If you experience one of the nail diseases above, especially if it is accompanied by bleeding, swelling and pain around the nail, or even the nail is detached from the skin, consult a doctor for proper treatment.