Nail disorders

Nail disorders

The nail consists of hard keratin which lies on a bed of epidermis to which it is firmly attached. The cuticle is an extension of the stratum corneum of the skin, It plays an important role in sealing off the potential space between the roof of the the nailfold and its floor. The nail acts as a protection, facilitates the picking up of small objects and contributes to the apreciation of fine touch.

Under normal circumstances, the fingernails take about 3-6months  months to grow out, and the toenails 18 months, which is why the fingernails require cutting more frequently. Individual nails differ slightly in their growth rates, and those on the dominant hand grow fastest. Nail growth is accelerated in psoriasis, a disorder of epidermal proliferation, and decreased in severe illness or in ischaemic stales.

Nail changes may be due to different reasons including: fungal infections (onychomycosis), skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or lichen planus, a deficiency in nutrients such as Zinc, an underlying systemic illness or other reasons.

If you notice any changes in color, shape, texture or sensitivity of your nails, you should consult your dermatologist for evaluation.

To rule out any underlying conditions, your dermatologist might take nail scrapings for a fungal culture, and/or biopsy to diagnose underlying condition.

Symptoms of Nail disorders:

1. Depression/Pitting. 
2. Separation of the nail away from nail bed.
3. Curved nails.
4. Thickening of the nails.
5.  Discoloration of the nails.
6. Ridging of the nails.