Common Disorders of Nail
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 36, Word Count: 645,
Human body acts as a host for many microorganisms. Some of these microorganisms are beneficial for our body, while some others can be harmful. Fungi and bacteria are the microorganisms which are harmful to the body. Fungal infections occur due to the microscopic plants that grow on dead skin and dead tissue of the hair and nails. Fungal or bacterial effect on the nails can cause a variety of nail problems. Below are discussed some of those common disorders of nail.
Common Disorders of Nail
Bacteria, fungi, or some viruses may be responsible for the paronychia infection in the nails. In our nails, a barrier is formed by the proximal and the lateral folds of the nail. This seals the nail in the skin. If somehow this seal is broken, the bacteria may get access to the skin and create infection. This causes swelling and redness of the skin near the nails. It generally affects the nail folds. This infection occurs most often with people who need to keep their hands in water for a long period of time. Paronychia is a highly contagious nail disorder.
Another bacterial infection that affects the nails is pseudomonas, which usually occurs between the nail bed and the nail plate. It is also possible to see it in the area between the nail plate and artificial nail coating. In the initial stage, you may have the misconception that it is a mold growth on your nail. In actuality molds are not human pathogens. The discoloration caused is due to a byproduct formed during the infection and it isn't a mold growth. It consists of iron compounds. Pseudomonas is often found at moist places and feeds itself on the dead tissues of the nail plate. It grows rapidly in the presence of moisture. The darkness of the nail plate shows the depth in which the bacteria has grown and travelled in the tissues. When bacteria enter between the nail plate and the nail bed, it may result in lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed.
Sometimes, a fungal or a yeast infection may result in onychomycosis. In this condition, the fungi enter through a tear in the nail folds. This is also called the nail plate separation. In general it is of white or yellow in color. Effect of these fungi on the nails, changes its shape and texture. This fungus has the attitude to eat upon the keratin protein, which actually comprises the nail plate. Some other organisms may also work along with these fungi and in severe conditions, the nail plate may get separated from the nail bed.
Tinea Urguis is known as the ring worm of the nails. Effect of this fungi results in thickening of the nails. It also causes problems such as deformation of the nail plate and may even lead to nail plate loss. As a result of Onychatrophia, the nail plate may get washed away, which would result in losing its luster and becoming smaller in size or sometimes, fully get shed off. It may happen due to some accidental injury to the nails or attack of a disease.
Onychogryposis is a nail disorder in which the nail plate gets thickened. The nail may grow inward towards the nail bed and result in pinching the nail bed and causing pain. Leuconychia is a nail disease in which white lines or spots are formed on the nail plate. This is caused due to trapping of air between the nails and the nail bed. In most of the cases, it seems to be a hereditary problem and nothing can be done to stop it. Even if not treated, the bubbles may grow out along with the nail as it grows.
Above were discussed some of the common disorders of nails. Hope these tips help you have healthy nails.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT
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