7 reasons for unpleasant fingernails
Very often people find that strange-looking fingernails are odd, partly because most of them suspect that the reason for this is fungal infection. The term fungal infection sounds as this is a disease and it’s contagious or caused by poor hygiene. Actually, however, often fingernail fungus infection in general may not be caused by a fungus! There are many reasons why nails can look different from their normal state.
Here are some other conditions that may be reason for the unpleasant fingernails:
1. Lines and edges. They are so common that can be adopted for normal nail. Lines and edges on the nails may worsen during pregnancy. Sometimes the thick lines, descending centrally along the length of the nail is due to the nasty habit, such as nail biting.
2. Old nails. As we age, the nails become brittle, they develop rough structures and the edges are removed from the skin.
Do not use cleaning solutions and soaking your nails in water to avoid worsening the problem.
3. Whitish or yellowish nails in the presence of onycholysis. This means separation of nails from the nail bed. Discolored surface of the nails is due to air in the nail plate. Treatment consists of trimming nails less, without cleaning and polishing them in order to hide their unpleasant color. This type of treatment should be performed within 2-3 months.
4. Red or black nails due to hematoma, or blood under the nails, resulting from recently acquired trauma. The discolored area gradually grows and can be removed by cutting the nail. In the presence of black spot under the nail, which is not due to trauma, the patient should visit a dermatologist to ensure that no case of melanoma.
5. The green nails are caused by the bacteria pseudomonas. Green pigment is reproduced by the partly separated nails from the nail bed. Treatment consists of short trimming the nails in period of four weeks without cleaning. Polishing them by a desire can conceal their unnatural color. Actual results of treatment become visible after about 2-3 months. Patients are advised to avoid soaking the nails in water, and dry fingers and nails after a bath. If the problem persists, it is necessary to make consultation with a specialist in prescribing an appropriate drug therapy.
6. Covered with nail dents are associated with the presence of psoriasis or other skin problem that affects the nail matrix – the part below the skin, directly behind the nail. This is exactly the area from which fingernails grow. Affected areas by nail psoriasis are often darker.
7. Swelling and redness of the skin around the nails – paronychia. This is an infection of the skin at the base of the nail. When infection is severe, it is usually due to bacteria. Usually the condition responds well to hot compresses with water, but in most cases requires the preparation of a drainage specialist. Chronic paronychia occurs when the cuticle of the nail is inflamed or irritated. Sometimes the fungus benefit from the injured and inflamed skin and infects the affected area. Treatment begins with the drying of the skin and protect it from prolonged contact with water or moisture. Extremely effective in these symptoms is a steroid hydrocortisone cream. If the problem persists, the physician may prescribe anti fungal medications.