Beautiful and well-groomed legs cannot be imagined without he althy nails. A change in the shape and color of this horny plate is not only a cosmetic defect. Toenail deformation can be a symptom of a dangerous pathology that requires serious treatment. Pedicure should be carefully monitored not only in summer, when it can be demonstrated to others. To keep the body he althy and beautiful, it needs constant care.
Deformation of the nail plate
The main function of nails is to protect the fingertips and their nerve endings from mechanical damage. The plates consist of layers of keratin, between which fat and water. Their hardness depends on the sulfur content in the body. Therefore, the density of nails in all people is different.
Each record consists of the following parts:
- Root. It is not visible as it is under the skin.
- Body. The body of the record.
- Edge. The regrown part that is moving away from the skin.
Nail growth rate depends on season, gender,heredity, physical activity, nutrition and age of a person. On average, on the hands of the plates are completely updated in six months. Toenails grow more slowly. It may take a whole year for them to change.
Deformation of toenails and hands may indicate a malfunction in the body. A he althy plate has a pink color, a uniform and smooth surface. Various seals, discoloration or spots may indicate problems with the kidneys, heart, or indicate endocrine disorders.
It is especially unpleasant when there is deformation of toenails. Usually it is not immediately noticed. The nail has time to change shape to such an extent that it interferes with walking, causing severe pain. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to completely or partially remove the plate. Nail prosthetics will help to return a beautiful and he althy look to the legs.
Spots, furrows and ridges
Small grooves on the plate, transverse stripes, depressions and scallops can go unnoticed for a long time. Such changes are rarely given much importance, as there is a slight deformation of the toenails. Causes that may cause deterioration in the appearance of the plate:
- Blows or injuries. Mechanical impact of this kind provokes the appearance of white spots. Treatment in this case is not required. The spots will gradually disappear by themselves.
- Psoriasis and age-related changes can contribute to thickening of the nail plate.
- Vertical cracks. Occur as a result of rough cutting of the cuticle. And also because ofdeficiency in the body of iron and zinc.
- The base of the nail changes color to blue in diabetes, vascular dystonia and other circulatory problems.
- Transverse stripes. Appear as a result of unbalanced nutrition and passion for starvation diets. And also because of the long-term use of antibiotics.
- Depressions and concavity of the plate. Such changes indicate a severe calcium deficiency.
- Scallops or wave-like furrows appear in people who have been eating improperly for a long time or suffer from mental disorders.
- Pinned small pits can be a symptom of psoriasis, tuberculosis or eczema.
- Separation of the top layer of the plate or delamination. Such changes are characteristic of anemia, thyroid disorders, calcium and vitamin B1 deficiency.
Onychocryptosis
Most women love dress shoes. They are guided not by practicality and convenience, but by beauty. Therefore, women are twice as likely to suffer from deformation of the nail on the big toe. There is a change in the shape of the plate. One or both of its edges grow into soft tissues. Doctors call this pathology onychocryptosis.
In addition to uncomfortable shoes, the disease can provoke flat feet, trauma, improperly done pedicure and obesity. The risk group includes pregnant women. The sharp edges of the nail literally pierce the skin and grow into soft tissues. All this contributes to the development of suppuration.
Pathology has four stages:
- First. Place inwhich grows into the edge of the nail, swells and turns red. Pain appears only when pressed.
- Second. The ingrown edge tears the soft tissue of the roller. Inside it develops suppuration. In this case, surgery may be required.
- Third. Throbbing pain develops in the finger. A wound is formed, the edges of which are continuously injured by the nail plate. The infection spreads to nearby tissues.
- Fourth. Wound healing does not occur, which is why tissue granulation is observed. A fleshy outgrowth forms over the nail. In appearance, it resembles a tumor.
Ochinocryptosis does not go away on its own. The patient will need treatment. Delay threatens that the infection will get into the lymph nodes. In addition, the development of osteomyelitis, necrosis of the skin and soft tissues is possible. In a neglected case, this may result in amputation of the affected area.
Watch glasses
Some people may notice thickening of the terminal phalanges and deformity of the fingers. On the nails of the feet and hands, the plates change their shape and become like watch glasses. The soft tissues at the fingertips grow. This is due to circulatory disorders and hypoxia. The body tries to compensate for this condition by increasing the area of blood vessels, and this provokes the growth of connective tissue.
Deformation of the nail plates is caused by the following diseases:
- Tuberculosis.
- Lung tumors.
- Bronchiectasis and bronchiectasis.
- Occupational lung injury.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Crohn's disease.
- Congenital heart defects.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Enteritis.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- HIV infection.
Since the deformation of the nails occurs under the influence of certain diseases, it will not work to change their shape without treating the underlying pathology. The patient needs to see a doctor who will identify the cause and prescribe treatment. After the pathology is defeated, the nail plates and fingers will gradually return to their original appearance and normal shape.
Onychogryphosis
Onychogryphosis is a pathology resulting in a significant deformation of the toenails. Photos of patients with this disease show that the shape of the plate changes to such an extent that it becomes similar to a bird's claw. Pathology is most common in old age, but young people and even children are not immune from it.
Change in the shape of the nail can provoke the following reasons:
- Wearing tight shoes.
- Unprofessional pedicure.
- Injury to the nail.
- Varicose.
- Frostbite.
- Psoriasis of the nail plates.
- Neuritis
- Vasculitis.
- Endocrine disorders.
- Heredity.
In most cases, the deformation of the large toenail occurs. It becomes significantly thicker, its color changes to yellow-brown and even black. The nail plate gradually rises above the surface and begins to formbend characteristic of the pathology. It is incredibly difficult to cut such a deformed plate on your own. This disorder causes discomfort and pain when wearing shoes and even when walking barefoot.
Onychomycosis
Infection with fungal microflora can cause deformation of toenails. Treatment is carried out with the help of antimycotic drugs. Before prescribing a drug, the doctor must confirm the diagnosis with a microscopic examination of the scraping of the affected nail.
The clinical picture depends on the cause that provoked the development of mycosis. At the very beginning of the disease, the nails change their transparency and color. Gradually, the plate begins to thicken and change shape. Then it delaminates and crumbles.
The development of the disease can provoke:
- Injury.
- Immune system malfunctions.
- Long-term use of antibiotics or hormonal drugs.
- Hyperhidrosis.
- Bad hygiene.
- Varicose.
- Flat feet.
- Blood diseases.
- Endocrine disorders.
The pathogen enters he althy nail plates from infected objects. For example, during a pedicure or after trying on someone else's shoes. If the body is he althy and its immune system is working well, most likely the fungus will not be able to gain a foothold on the body. But if a person suffers from the pathologies listed above, mycosis begins to multiply. Gradually, it captures the entire nail plate, forming passages, channels andtunnels.
Diagnosis
It is necessary to consult a dermatologist as soon as the deformation of the toenails is noticed. The doctor will conduct an examination during which he will evaluate the shape, thickness, transparency, color and hardness of the plate. If necessary, he will refer the patient to a podologist or mycologist.
If it is not possible to make a diagnosis based on visual examination, additional tests will be ordered. For example: a blood test, a scraping from an affected nail, an x-ray of the foot. After that, the doctor will select a therapy regimen.
Treatment
The way to treat toenail deformity depends on the cause that caused it. If the plate has changed its shape due to the development of internal pathology, the underlying disease is treated. After the patient recovers, his nail will gradually regain its shape.
In cases where the deformity is not associated with internal pathologies, treatment is carried out as follows:
- Onychocryptosis. Under local anesthesia, the surgeon removes part of the nail. In the presence of purulent contents, the plate is removed completely. Recently, laser correction and radio wave treatment have been increasingly used. With suppuration, the doctor prescribes applications with Vishnevsky ointment. Also taking antibiotics.
- Onychogryphosis. Treatment is aimed at softening the deformed plate. In advanced cases, surgical removal of the nail and scraping of its root part will be required.
- Onychomycosis. If necessary, the doctor removes the nail plates affected by the fungus. He also prescribes drugs for local and systemic therapy. Often prescribed drugs such as Fluconazole, Exoderil, Itraconazole.
Recipes of traditional medicine
In some cases, the treatment of toenail deformity can be done at home using folk recipes. This can be done only after consulting a doctor, so as not to miss the development of a dangerous pathology. The following recipes are used for treatment:
- Ingrown toenail. A soda bath is prepared and the feet are immersed in it for 20 minutes. Then butter and an aloe leaf cut into two parts are applied to the affected area. A bandage is applied on top. A day later, the procedure is repeated. The duration of treatment is two to three weeks.
- Bird claw. If the disease is detected at an early stage, a mixture of lavender oil and kombucha oil will help. It must be rubbed daily into the nail after steaming the legs in a bath with potassium permanganate. In the later stages of the disease, a kombucha compress will help. It is cleaned of the film and applied to the nail for 12 hours. The duration of treatment is four weeks.
- Fungus. Prepare a soda bath and steam your feet. After that, rub the natural garlic juice into the nails. When it is completely absorbed and the plate dries, grease it with an alcohol solution of iodine. The course of treatment may take two to three months.
Prevention
Careful attention to your own he alth can reduce the risk of developing deformed toenails. To do this, you must follow a few simple rules:
- Keep foot hygiene.
- Wear only comfortable shoes and choose the right size.
- Always wear clean socks. If your feet sweat a lot, wipe them with talcum powder or use a special deodorant.
- Eat a balanced diet. If necessary, take vitamin and mineral complexes. Lose weight if necessary.
- Care for your nails regularly, cut them properly. Always use an individual toolbox.
