Nail disorders are not at all uncommon. In fact, some kinds of nail disorders can become very serious when left untreated. At times, people might ignore the problem and it might turn out to be worse than before. If you are experiencing symptoms like thickened, brittle, crumbly or dry nails then it is always advised to consult your dermatologist immediately for a proper diagnosis.
One of the most common causes of nails falling off is fungal infections, especially onychomycosis. Although fungal infection is not considered serious, it can cause the nails to drop off quickly. Although fungal infection might be the major cause, it should be taken seriously and treated promptly to avoid further damage. One of the important ways to prevent a fungal infection is keeping the nails trimmed neatly. Trim your cuticles every week to reduce the chances of fungal infections.
In general, the fungi causing the infections are nail-borne diseases that cause the red lumps or plaques on the nails. These infections are common in warm and moist places like swimming pools, locker rooms and showers. The presence of fungi on the skin increases the risk of getting other diseases. It is important to keep the skin clean, dry and free from infection and the use of antifungal lotions has been found to be effective against this fungal infection. that you do, your doctor may recommend an oral medication to treat the infection.
Fungal nail plate is usually identified by one or more discolored, smelly, or brittle nails. However, it can also be discolored simply by looking at your nail plate. A good nail plate that has been treated with antifungals and is smelly is a good sign that there is an infection and you should seek treatment immediately. It is important to remember that some nail plate infections are not fungal and are simply caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The same signs would apply to these cases as well.
Another cause for toe nail fungus is tinea pedis. This disease occurs in the toenails and causes them to become thick and brittle. As they turn yellowish, they lose their luster. It is quite easy to identify this disease because it causes nail deformity and discoloration. The toe nails may fall off when the infection spreads to the surrounding areas.
One of the other most common disease is the dystrophy, which is caused by infection with fungi and bacteria. The fungi causing the infection are known as dermatophytes. Dystrophy is characterized by brown or black streaks in the nail plate. Nail infections caused by melanoma, on the other hand, are characterized by a pink to red rash around the cuticle. Fungal infection of finger nails usually affects individuals who have a family history of nail infections.
If you believe you have any of these conditions, visit your family doctor or a general practitioner. A physician can perform tests to determine the cause of the condition. He or she may prescribe a prescription medication for your nail health and nail changes. In some cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the problem, in which case he or she will give you more advice about your choices of treatments.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms of ingrown toenails, it is important that you visit your doctor. He or she will perform testing to determine what the problem is. Once diagnosed, your doctor may suggest treatments. Most treatments for ingrown toenails involve the use of over-the-counter meds or prescription medications. These medications, although they work initially, usually have side effects and can lead to re-infection if you are not attentive to keeping your nails short and clean.
A fungal infection often takes the form of a red, thick, scaly spot. It grows under the skin around the big toe and can spread to other toenails and even the skin surrounding the big toe. This is known as subungual melanoma. Symptoms include a small dark spot beneath the big toe, redness, soreness, and pain. Other symptoms are puffy or inflated toenails, discoloration (becoming yellow, green, blue, brown, or black), and a decreased sensation of touch.
Cuticle is the outermost layer, or surface, of the nail. When cuticles become infected, they become inflamed, irritated, and can also become thicker and discolored. If you see any of these symptoms of Nail Diseases, it is important to consult a doctor immediately to prevent further damage and discoloration to your nail. The sooner a treatment is started, the better the outcome and the more likely the nail will be able to grow out without being damaged.