Comprehensive guide: Frequent nail issues and effective solutions for each
Maintaining healthy nails is essential for overall well-being, and understanding common nail conditions and their treatments can help you keep your nails in tip-top shape. Here's a guide to some common nail disorders and their recommended treatments.
Subungual Hematoma
A subungual hematoma is a bruise that appears underneath the nail, typically caused by an injury to the nail. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in the nail, lifting of the nail, and spots of purple, red, brown, or black on the nail. Treatment for a subungual hematoma includes applying ice wrapped in a cloth or towel to the nail, compressing the finger or toe with a bandage, resting, elevating the injured digit, taking pain medication, and seeking medical attention if the subungual hematoma keeps bleeding continuously, is incredibly painful, or occurs alongside severe damage to the base of the nail.
Paronychia
Paronychia is an infection at the base of the nail. Acute paronychia causes pus from the cuticle, fever, and pain in the armpit glands, while chronic paronychia causes redness and tenderness, white, yellow, or green pus discharge, distorted, ridged nails, yellow or green nails, and brittle nails. Treatment for acute paronychia includes using soaks, applying antibiotic creams, taking antibiotic tablets, and lancing any abscesses. Treatment for chronic paronychia includes keeping hands clean and dry, using gloves when cleaning or working with chemicals, applying topical creams or lotions, and taking antifungal drugs.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is the separation of the nail from the skin. If infection occurs during onycholysis, the nail may have green or yellow patches. Treatment for onycholysis includes removing the unattached nail, keeping nails out of water, using gloves when cleaning, taking medication to treat any infection, and using a prescribed drying agent after washing hands.
Common Treatments for Nail Conditions
Treatment for nail psoriasis involves topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or systemic therapies prescribed by a dermatologist. Onychoschizia (nail splitting) focuses on hydrating and protecting nails with nourishing cuticle oils containing vitamin E and jojoba oil. Onychogryphosis (thickened, curved nails) is managed via professional nail trimming and the possible use of keratolytic agents, with severe cases requiring dermatologist or podiatrist intervention.
Ingrown toenails are treated with proper nail trimming techniques, soaking the foot to reduce inflammation, and in some cases, partial nail removal or surgery. Fungal nail infections are typically treated with antifungal topical agents or oral medications, with keeping nails dry and clean supporting recovery. Punctate leukonychia, characterized by small white spots on the nails, is usually harmless and resolves on its own, requiring no treatment.
Maintaining Healthy Nails
To maintain overall healthy nails, follow these key steps:
- Keep nails clean and dry to prevent infections.
- Regularly moisturize nails and cuticles using oils or creams containing vitamin E, jojoba oil, or shea butter.
- Protect nails from UV exposure by applying SPF to hands and nails.
- Avoid trauma by trimming nails properly, preferring shorter, rounded shapes to prevent breaking and splitting.
- Stay hydrated to prevent brittleness.
- Use non-toxic nail care products and avoid harsh chemicals or excessive use of gel polish or acetone-based removers.
If you notice any unusual changes to your nails or have received treatment for a nail condition but have no improvement, talk with your doctor.
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Nail Care: Tips for Healthy Nails. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/nail-problems-prevention-and-treatments [Accessed 10 May 2023].
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Onycholysis. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/onycholysis/symptoms-causes/syc-20356894 [Accessed 10 May 2023].
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Paronychia. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/paronychia/symptoms-causes/syc-20356808 [Accessed 10 May 2023].
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2020). Subungual hematoma. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/subungual-hematoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20356814 [Accessed 10 May 2023].
- Maintaining the health of nails is crucial for overall well-being, especially since they can be affected by various health-and-wellness issues such as fungal infections of nails.
- Since skin-care extends to nails, it's important to understand treatments for infectious conditions like subungual hematoma, paronychia, and onycholysis, all of which are covered in scientific literature and resources like the American Academy of Dermatology.
- In the realm of nutrition, ensuring hands are clean and dry, and practicing proper nail care can prevent nail conditions like paronychia and onycholysis, while staying hydrated can prevent brittleness.
