Nail Infection

Nail Infection is different from diseases of the skin, although nails are a skin attachment that has their own signs and symptoms which may relate to other medical conditions. Nail conditions that show signs of infection or swelling require urgent medical assistance and cannot be treated at a beauty parlor. Deformity or nail infection may be referred to as onychosis.

Nail fungus are of small organisms that can transmit a disease to fingernails and toenails. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toe or finger nails finger that is very hard to cure. These fungal infections can cause streak, thickening and softening of the nails. Nail fungus is a difficult condition to treat and may often cause permanent damage to the nails and possibly nail loss. Infections of nail fungus account for about half of all nail disorders.

What are the likely causes of Nail Infection?

Nail infections (or paronychia) are caused by bacteria and fungi. Fungi infections are generally stubborn when they have invaded the nail bed (i.e. the skin under the nail) and it is better not to have them than to cure them. This is one disease in which treatments do not work or take a very long time to make a difference

Some Diseases of Nail Infection

Onycholysis which is a loosening of the exposed portion of the nail from the nail bed, usually beginning at the free edge and continuing to the lunula. It is often allied with an internal disorder, trauma, infection, nail fungi, allergy to nail enhancement products, or side effects of drugs.

Onychocryptosis:- This is commonly known as "ingrown nails" or unguis incarnates. It can affect either the fingers or the toes. In this condition, the nail cuts into one or both sides of the nail bed, resulting in soreness and possibly infection.

Onychomadesis is the division and falling off of a nail from the nail bed. Frequent causes are; localized infection, minor injury to the matrix bed, or severe systemic illness. It is a side effect of x-ray treatments for cancer. A new nail plate will form once the cause of the disease is removed.

Subungual hematoma occurs when trauma to the nail results in a collection of blood, or hematoma under the nail. It may result from an acute injury or from repeated minor trauma such as running in undersized shoes. Acute subungual hematomas are usually painful, and are often treated by releasing the blood by creating a small hole in the nail. Drilling and thermal melting are common methods for creating the hole. Thermal melting is not used on acrylic nails because they are flammable

Onychogryposis or “ram's-horn nail", is a thickening and increase in bend of the nail. It is usually as a result of injury to the matrix. It may be partially traditional and can also occur as a result of long-term neglect. It is most commonly seen in the great toe but may be seen in other toes as well as the fingernails. An affected nail has many grooves and ridges, is brownish in color, and grows more quickly on one side than on the other. The thick curved nail is difficult to cut, and often remains untrimmed, exacerbating the problem.

Onychia is a soreness of the matrix (surrounding tissue) of the nail with formation of emission and shedding of the nail which is as a result of the introduction of microscopic pathogens through small wounds.

Since Nail infection does more harm than good to our body, it essential to prevent it as much as possible. You can do so by:

Trying to avoid injury to nails, that is capable of increasing the risk of developing a nail infection. Furthermore, wear footwear as a protective measure in public places, locker rooms, shower places and communal bathing place..