The nail serves to provide protection to the sensitive finger and toe tips. Nail problems can affect anyone, and one must always consult a dermatologist if they notice any changes in the color, texture, infection, or pain in their nails. The common nail problems encountered by people are infections, disease, injury, or trauma.

The nail is made up of keratin protein and with the help of the process of keratinization. The nail cells grow, multiply, and layer on top of each other to form a hardened structure.

People suffering from diabetes and compromised immune system conditions are more prone to developing any type of nail concern, infection, or disease.

The normal color of the nail is pink and a little bit white. The condition that causes discoloration of the nail is an injury to the nail bed, melanoma, infection and consuming antibiotics and anti-malarial medications. The nail folds help hold the nail in position and anchor it to the skin. It also prevents the microbial organism from entering the nail bed and also prevents the entry of moisture. The other part of the nail grows on the finger and becomes white as it does not connect with the vascular nail bed.

Nail Infection and Concerns

Onychomycosis is a type of fungal nail infection in which the nail thickness and also separates from the nail bed. This condition mostly affects old age people and is caused by dermatophytes. After cure, the condition requires proper screening and diagnosis. Various antifungal agents and creams are prescribed for this condition.

Bacterial paronychia is a type of bacterial infection that causes problem in the nail fold area. This condition mostly infects people whose hands are in more contact with water or moisture or who incorrectly manicure their nails.

Chronic paronychia is a condition, in which the nail fold is thickened or mildly reddened. This condition is caused by an allergy, chemical irritation, or fungal infection.

Onycholysis is a condition, in which the nail plate's elevation occurs due to trauma, psoriasis, fungal infection, thyroid disorders, and anemia.

Brittle nail is a condition in which the nails become weak, and they often split, flake, and often crumble.

Ingrown nail is a condition, in which the nail curves in the inward direction, and it often causes pain and infection.

Nail splitting causes the nail to flake into layers, and it occurs due to the constant application of nail polish, more exposure to water.

Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects both nails and skin. The symptoms of these disorders are small pits on the nail surface, separation of the nail from the nail bed, debris build-up under the nail, and changes in nail appearance.

Symptoms of nail disease

• Yellow, orange, brown, or white color streaks or patches in the nails
• Thicker, crumbly, or dull nails
• Foul smell from nail
• Nail separated from the nail bed
• Pain full nails
• Breaking up of nails
• Brittle nails
• Tender or sole
• Nail discoloration
• Wilson’s disease (bluish nails)

Treatment

• Oral antifungal medications
• Diet changes
• Certain moisturizes and creams
• Vitamin medications
• Vitamin A and D creams
• Removal of affected nail (severe condition)
• Phototherapy
• Steroid injection

Tips to prevent nail disease

• Keep the nail trimmed and short
• Eat a healthy diet
• Keep the body hydrated
• Wash hands with a good soap
• Wear gloves while performing chores
• Apply moisturizes to strengthen the nail cuticle cells.
• Do not use someone's towels and clothes.
• Avoid wearing someone else shoes or socks.
• Iron supplementation