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What are Different Types of Nail Diseases?

Caitlin Shih
Caitlin Shih

There is a large variety of nail diseases that span an array of different conditions. Fungal and bacterial infections are the most common causes and are often the underlying root of most nail disorders. Common instances include yeast infection and infection by dermatophytes, a class of fungi that includes athlete's foot and ringworm of the skin. Other less-serious nail diseases involve disfigurements and blemishes of the nail and can originate from injury, trauma, nutritional deficiencies or genetics. These include white spots, ingrown nails, ram's horn nails, spoon nails and onychoptosis, or nail shedding.

Fungal infections of the nail are most often characterized by discoloration, increased roughness and crumbling of the nail. Yeast infections are more common in fingernails, whereas dermatophyte infections are more common in toenails. Most infections result in onycholysis, a separation of the nail plate from the skin, with visible debris underneath. This is caused by the fungus digesting the keratin protein of which the nail is made, and if left untreated, the nail might eventually break down and fall off. Fungal infections can sometimes be treated with topical creams but are most effectively cured through oral medications.

Yeasts and fungi can infect the toenails.
Yeasts and fungi can infect the toenails.

Bacterial infections are characterized by redness, swelling and pain around the nails. They are most commonly caused by an injury to the area or by overexposure to chemicals or water, and they can be highly contagious in certain cases. Bacteria can enter the nail either through the side folds of the nail or from underneath the nail plate. These bacteria are referred to as paronychia and pseudomonas, respectively, with the latter often resulting in a greenish discoloration. If untreated, the infection might eventually cause the nail plate to lift and fall off.

Traumatic injury to a toenail may cause onychoptosis, which is characterized by the removal of the nail.
Traumatic injury to a toenail may cause onychoptosis, which is characterized by the removal of the nail.

White spots, while extremely common, are among the least harmful of all nail diseases. The majority of them are caused by simple air bubbles underneath the nail. These are usually caused by trauma, though they might also be partially hereditary. In most cases, the white spots will grow out with the nail, and no treatment is required. In rarer, more severe cases, a large number of white spots clearly not caused by injury might indicate infection.

Applying tea tree oil to the nails can be an effective treatment of nail fungus.
Applying tea tree oil to the nails can be an effective treatment of nail fungus.

Ingrown nails are common among the less adverse nail diseases, and they cause the nail to grow into and cut the nail bed. They are more common in toenails, suggesting that pressure from walking or tight shoes is a primary factor. Most cases are noninfectious, and properly trimming and rounding off the nail is a satisfactory treatment. In serious cases usually involving infection, surgery might be necessary.

Some antifungal creams can be applied to the fingernails or toenails to kill fungus such as Candida.
Some antifungal creams can be applied to the fingernails or toenails to kill fungus such as Candida.

Ram's horn nail is a nail disease characterized by increased thickness and curving of the nail. This is a result of an injury to the matrix of the nail, and it can be hereditary or can be caused by long-term neglect. Typically, ram's horn nails are brownish, thick and difficult to cut, often aggravating the condition. Consistent and frequent trimming is the most effective long-term solution.

Walking barefoot in public places may cause black toenail fungus.
Walking barefoot in public places may cause black toenail fungus.

Spoon nails usually affect the fingers and are characterized by unnaturally thin nails that are curved or wavy, with raised ridges. These are most often the result of an iron deficiency, and they typically undergo a process in which they grow thinner and become brittle before finally becoming spoon-shaped. A physician's advice is normally the best bet to treating the deficiency properly.

Ram's horn nail is sometimes hereditary.
Ram's horn nail is sometimes hereditary.

Onychoptosis literally means "falling nail" and is characterized by the shedding of the toenail. Its most common causes are traumatic injury and prolonged infection. Periodic shedding also can be a byproduct of syphilis, fever or an adverse reaction to prescription drugs.

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@rundocuri- Yes, skin cancer can manifest under the nails, and anyone who suspects this serious problem should be seen by his or her doctor as soon as possible for an evaluation and diagnosis.

Some signs to look for are dark nails, strange pigmentation that doesn't go away, and areas under and around finger or toenails that won't heal. Since these symptoms can be signs of less serious illnesses, it is important not to panic but to have them checked out. It is also important to keep in mind that anyone who has spent a lot of time in the sun or who has had many sunburns are more at risk.

Rundocuri

I have heard that skin cancer can also appear under the finger and toenails. Does anyone have information about this frightening disease when it occurs under the nails?

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    • Yeasts and fungi can infect the toenails.
      By: Valua Vitaly
      Yeasts and fungi can infect the toenails.
    • Traumatic injury to a toenail may cause onychoptosis, which is characterized by the removal of the nail.
      By: johnnydao
      Traumatic injury to a toenail may cause onychoptosis, which is characterized by the removal of the nail.
    • Applying tea tree oil to the nails can be an effective treatment of nail fungus.
      By: Alliance
      Applying tea tree oil to the nails can be an effective treatment of nail fungus.
    • Some antifungal creams can be applied to the fingernails or toenails to kill fungus such as Candida.
      By: agephotography
      Some antifungal creams can be applied to the fingernails or toenails to kill fungus such as Candida.
    • Walking barefoot in public places may cause black toenail fungus.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      Walking barefoot in public places may cause black toenail fungus.
    • Ram's horn nail is sometimes hereditary.
      By: bst2012
      Ram's horn nail is sometimes hereditary.
    • Plant toxins may lead to toenail ridges.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Plant toxins may lead to toenail ridges.