Nails play an important role in protecting our fingers and toes and allow us to scratch and scratch ourselves. The appearance of the nails can warn that something very serious is happening inside the body, and dermatologist Dr. Rajko Boričić solves some doubts that can bring us some changes and problems on the nails.
"Nails are made of a very strong keratin protein, which makes up the composition of both skin and hair. It is formed in the nail matrix - the red crescent on the nail plate. As new skin cells grow in the matrix, they push out older cells, harden and form a visible nail. How fast nails grow depends on several factors. Let's say, they grow faster in summer than in winter. Men's nails grow faster than women's, at any time of the year, except perhaps when a woman is in a different state. Nails on the hands grow from one to three to 3 millimeters per month, and on the feet up to one millimeter per month. Diseases, hormonal imbalance and aging slow down nail growth," explains Dr. Boričić.
The most common nail disorders
Color
"White spots or white discoloration of the nail plate are most often caused by mild trauma, i.e. injuries of the nail matrix. The condition is harmless and temporary, as the nail grows. If you notice a large number of white dots on the nail plates, consult a dermatologist. The cause can be anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, ulcerative colitis, ulcer disease, conditions after chemotherapy. Brown to black colored nails are the result of an increased amount of pigment or an increased number of melanocytes - the cells that produce pigment.
Thus, a mole or lentigo simplex can form in the nail bed. Also, increased activity and accumulation of melanocytes can be seen in melanoma of the nail bed, whereby it is malignant melanonychia, one of the fastest and most aggressive cancers. Yellow-colored nails are common in disorders of lymphatic drainage, bronchial tumors, AIDS, use of tetracycline (antibiotics).
A red lunula (a semicircle at the junction of the nail plate and the skin) is seen in many systemic diseases, baldness, heart failure, carbon monoxide poisoning. Streaky hemorrhages, small capillary bleedings in the superficial layers of the nail bed can be a sign of heart or lung disease, hypertension, hepatitis, trichinosis. They can also be a sign of nail trauma, eczema, psoriasis. It is important to distinguish them from malignant melanoma", explains the dermatologist.
Inflammation of the surrounding skin
"Here, first of all, we are talking about an ingrown nail, which means nail sticking into the surrounding tissue. Improper nail cutting, tight shoes and injury can lead to this condition. The condition is painful and can lead to infection. Adequate treatment can resolve the problem, especially if the person comes forward before an infection develops. A permanent solution is in properly performed intervention of damage to the nail matrix at the growing edge. Fungal infections (Onychomycosis) are the most common nail infections. More often on the feet than on the hands, they occur in almost 10% of the population. It is assumed that there is a genetic predisposition to the infection, although it rarely occurs in children. Dermatophytes are the most common causes of Candida infection. Very rarely, this nail infection is treated with creams. The nail plate is very thick for the cream to penetrate to the nail bed and for this reason a fungal nail infection is always treated with tablets for two to four months. Bacterial nail infections are somewhat less common. They are accompanied by pain, throbbing and redness. Bacteria cause infection of the skin around the nail, with involvement of the nail bed. Tumors and warts can be found on the surrounding skin, and their growth can deform the nail. They are removed using different methods," says our interlocutor.
Roughness of the nail plate
"Transverse furrowing is temporary and occurs most often in infants, and in women it is related to the menstrual cycle. In other cases, it is a sign of malnutrition, zinc deficiency, nerve damage or poor circulation in the extremities. Punctate indentations are characteristic of psoriasis. Shallow spots occur in eczema, alopecia areata, injuries and occupational exposure to chemicals. Nail splitting occurs in 30% of healthy people, especially women. Nail polishes, detergents and physical trauma damage the bonds in the nail plate and lead to peeling," explains the dermatologist.
Nails as a mirror of health
"There is a whole spectrum of diseases of internal organs that can be seen on the nails. Liver disease - white nails Kidney disease - half the nail is pink, half is white Heart condition - nail bed is red Lung disease - yellow discoloration, thin nails, rounded fingertips Anemia - pale nail beds Diabetes - yellowish nails with small bleeding
When you receive therapy, it is necessary to know that the nail grows very slowly, so the therapy should last for several months in order to see the difference. In any case, it is important to remember that many nail conditions come from poor treatment of the nail plate and nail bed. That's why nails should always be dry and clean. Cut them straight, with a slight rounding of the sides. Do not remove the cuticle that goes over the nail plate. Wear shoes of the correct size and width.
Contact a dermatologist as soon as you notice a change in the nail. If you follow these five rules, there will be no problems with your nails," advises our interlocutor.
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