Nail Diseases

In general, you can recognize nail diseases by inflammation of the skin surrounding the nail, soreness, itching, swelling, and other signs of infection

Eggshell nails or hapalonychia involves very thin, fragile nails that are white in colour. These nails split and break easily. A defect in the nail matrix causes this condition.
Cause: This condition is rare, but it can result from aging and/or the use of acetone or hydroxide solutions in manicuring.
Prognosis and treatment: Using nail hardeners or polish (enamel) strengthens these nails and prevents splitting.

Beau’s Lines
Beau’s lines are depressions or ‘valleys’ that stretch vertically across the width of the nail plate. they are caused when the growth of the plate is temporarily slowed or halted. When this occurs, a depression is formed on the surface of the nail plate. In extreme cases, the plate depression can extend completely through to the nail bed, and nail plate, shedding can occur. 

Beau’s lines are usually a result of severe short term illness (i.e. pneumonia, fevers, drug reactions, heart attacks etc.) the lines usually emerge from under the eponychium about a month after the onset of the illness. ALL the nails (including toe nails) are usually involved, but there have been rare cases where only a few nail plates are affected.

Leuconychia
Is evident as white lines or spots in the nail plate and may be caused by tiny bubbles of air that are trapped in the nail plate layers due to trauma. This condition may be hereditary and no treatment is required as the spots will grow out with the nail plate.

Fungal Infection
A green fungus where bacteria is allowed to grow when moisture is trapped between an artificial nail and the nail plate.

Onycholysis
Involves a spontaneous separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, without actual shedding.
Cause: Local or general infections and treatment with certain types of antibiotic drugs may cause the condition. Sometimes overfiling.
Prognosis and treatment: Tell the client to consult a doctor.

Onychogryposis, also called claw nails, involves marked thickening of the nail. The nail plate becomes elongated and twisted (curved).
Cause: The condition results from trauma (shock): other causes are unknown.
Prognosis and treatment: Tell the client to get a doctor’s advice.

Onychomycosis 
Also known as tinea unguis, is ringworm of the finger or toenails. In this condition, a vegetable fungus (parasite) disturbs the nail growth. Onychomycosis is not very common, but it is very contagious. The condition is characterized by thickening and deformity and finally loss of the nail.
Cause: Heredity can be a factor but this disease usually results from a nail injury coupled with an invasion by a fungus.
Prognosis: The nail usually requires 3 months to grow back if a doctor treats it. Although the condition is resistant to treatment, competent dermatologists treat it with success.

Paronychia or felon
Is a bacterial infection of the tissue around the nail. It is characterized by pain, redness, and swelling of the skin around the nail plate, without nail loss. This condition is very contagious, so it is not treated in the school or salon.
Cause: People who have their hands in water for long periods of time may develop this condition. Dishwashers and cosmetologists are particularly likely to have it. Prognosis: This condition usually responds well when treated by a doctor.
Treatment: Tell the client to ask a doctor for advice.