Our nails can be a canvas for painting, polishing, decorating, or just keeping them short or long. Regardless of these choices, nails often make a noticeable impression since our hands are constantly visible to others.
However, various disorders and conditions can affect our nails, leaving people feeling like they’re “in a bed of nails.” Interestingly, doctors can sometimes diagnose other health issues, such as skin conditions, nutrient deficiencies, or infections, just by examining our nails.
Instead of just covering up nail problems, it’s essential to find out what’s causing them. If you notice any unusual changes in your nails, it’s wise to seek expert advice first. If the issue isn’t serious, home remedies can be an effective and budget-friendly solution. Let’s go through some common nail disorders and conditions:
### List of Nail Disorders and Conditions
**Nail Pitting**
Characterized by small dents or pits in the nails, nail pitting is often associated with skin conditions like psoriasis, Reiter’s syndrome, or hair loss diseases such as alopecia areata.
**Nail Clubbing**
Nail clubbing involves the fingertips enlarging and the nails curving around them, usually due to chronic oxygen deficiency. This can indicate lung problems or issues with the liver or heart.
**Spoon Nails**
Known medically as koilonychia, spoon nails are soft and scooped-out, capable of holding a drop of water. They often indicate iron deficiency, liver problems, or hypothyroidism.
**Terry’s Nails**
This condition features dark bands or circles near the nail tips. While it can signal liver disease or diabetes, it commonly appears with aging.
**Beau’s Lines**
These indentations across the nails are known as Beau’s lines. They occur when the nail growth area under the cuticle is temporarily interrupted, often due to zinc deficiency, injury, or illnesses like mumps or type-2 diabetes.
**Nail Separation**
In onycholysis, nails first loosen and then detach from the nail bed. Causes include infections, injuries, or reactions to certain medications.
**Yellow Nail Syndrome**
This syndrome involves yellow discoloration and thickened nails, along with slowed nail growth. Respiratory issues like chronic bronchitis may contribute to this condition.
**Paronychia**
Paronychia is an infection around the nail folds caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to swelling and redness. It often results from prolonged exposure to water.
**Pseudomonas**
This bacterial infection affects the area between the nail bed and nail plate, thriving in moist conditions and causing darkened nail plates.
**Nail Patella Syndrome**
A genetic or sporadic mutation of genes, nail patella syndrome is a rare condition.
**Hematoma**
Trauma or injuries to the nail plate, such as getting it caught in a door or a heavy object falling on it, can cause a hematoma.
Understanding these nail disorders can help in identifying underlying health issues and seeking appropriate treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your nail health.