What is nail onychorrhexis, how does it manifest and how is it treated? Prevention of the problem

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Everyone wants to have beautiful and well-groomed hands. But one of the most unpleasant diseases that prevents this is dystrophy of the nail plate.

The disease can occur due to various reasons. It is extremely rare that it is inherited. It has several varieties, each of which is treated with different medications.

Causes of nail dystrophy or onychodystrophy

Nails do not receive enough nutrition for various reasons. Among them:

The disease nail dystrophy has several varieties. Therefore, external manifestations are different. Let's consider the main ones in order to recognize the disease in time and immediately begin to fight it.

Median canal nail dystrophy

The nails of the thumbs are usually affected. A longitudinal groove appears on the nail plate, with small cracks spreading out to the sides. As a result, the nail becomes wavy.

Most often, pathology occurs due to mechanical injury. Usually these are unconscious actions of the patient: biting or constantly pinching the nail. This behavior may be a bad habit, but it may well be a neurological disorder.

It is extremely rare that canal-shaped dystrophy is transmitted genetically.

How to get rid of it?

Complex treatment of dystrophy with medications is necessary

First of all, it is necessary to correct the person’s mental state. The difficulty is that the patient usually denies his involvement in the mutilation of his own nail. Therefore, it is better to carry out treatment under the supervision of a neurologist.

The main success factor is the cessation of mechanical impact on the nail. Therefore, fingers with damaged nails should be bandaged. At the same time, measures are taken to strengthen the nail plate: using nourishing creams and varnishes, taking vitamins.

Wikipedia article about this disease

Why does it appear

Onychorrhexis cannot occur on its own. There are definitely reasons for this, and there may be several of them. Among them, the most common ones are:

1. Infections.
2. Skin diseases.
3. Nerve diseases.
4. Mental illnesses.
5. Traumatic damage to the nail.
6. Fungus.
7. Working with chemicals.
8. The effect of powders and other types of household chemicals.
9. Eczema.
10. Psoriasis.
11. Alopecia.
12. Anemia.

Most often, the disease is associated with metabolic and nutritional disorders in the nail plate. The manifestations of the disease itself can be very different here, and it all depends on what caused it. In addition, in some cases the disease can be congenital, but this is relatively rare.

Gapalonychia

This type of nail dystrophy manifests itself as softening and thinning of the nails, which leads to their fragility.

The disorder can develop due to internal problems in the body (true hapalonychia). But it happens that it occurs due to external influences on the nails (acquired hapalonychia).

Causes: Hapalonychia occurs due to diseases such as:

• Arthritis • Problems in the gastrointestinal tract • Peripheral vascular diseases • Thyroid diseases

True hapalonychia is possible with hereditary predisposition and poor nutrition. Softening of the nails is caused by a lack of vitamins A and B, as well as a deficiency of iron, sulfur, and calcium.

How to treat hapalonychia or nail dystrophy?

• Do house cleaning only with rubber gloves. • If the nail has been damaged, protect it from re-injury. After some time, the unhealthy nail will grow back and the problem will go away on its own. • Avoid using extended or false nails. • Eat more fruits and vegetables. Moderate your intake of fatty and sugary foods. Pay attention to your chronic diseases - and treat them first.

Therapy

People treat onychorrhexis on their own in two ways. In the first case, they apply varnish and thus try to hide the defects. But this only aggravates the situation, since under the varnish the fabric does not breathe and its metabolism is disrupted.

In the second case, a person turns to various methods of traditional medicine, which also does not help get rid of the problem. Many believe that any such lesion occurs due to the presence of a fungal infection. But this is far from true. The fungus can only be seen under a microscope, so it is not worth treating with antifungal ointments where it is not needed. Of course, it won't do any harm, but it won't do any good either.

For successful treatment, a person must definitely consult an experienced specialist who will correctly diagnose, determine its cause and prescribe the only correct treatment that will help cope with brittle nails.

Onycholysis or nail detachment

This disease is characterized by the detachment of the nail from the nail bed . An empty space forms between the soft tissue and the nail plate. The color of the nail changes to grayish-yellow. An unpleasant odor appears.

But often onycholysis is acquired through non-infectious means. Nail injuries, exposure to household chemicals, taking antibiotics, impaired blood supply to the fingers - all this can cause the disease.

Chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, nervous and endocrine systems can also provoke the disease.

How to get rid of it?

• If the nail deformation occurs due to injury, trim the nail plate short until the damaged area disappears.

• Cover the unhealthy nail with an antibacterial bandage to prevent it from becoming infected.

• Take care of chronic diseases.

• If you took antibiotics, check for intestinal dysbiosis. Heal him first.

• Protect your nails from contact with washing powders and chemical cleaners. When cleaning, only wear rubber gloves.

• If the cause is a fungal infection, then you cannot do without visiting a specialist. Only a doctor will prescribe the necessary medications. Treatment can last quite a long time.

Classification

Onychorrhexis of nails refers to onychodystrophy - this is the main group that includes all deviations regarding changes in the nail bed.

In dermatology, the following types of pathological processes associated with nail development are distinguished:

• Onychoschisis is characterized by transverse separation of the nail plate, which stops growth and development. The nail acts as an integral structure until about the middle, after which it is divided into several components. The process is asymptomatic, only a cosmetic defect is observed.
• Onycholysis. Characterized by total or partial detachment of the nail from the epithelial tissue.
• Onychorrhexis manifests itself as a chip at the very edge of the plate. Without treatment, the process becomes more complicated, the chip deepens and dissects the tissue into several parts to the very base.
• Onychomadesis is a consequence of a strong blow with a blunt and heavy object. The nail plate changes color followed by peeling off from the phalanx of the finger. No treatment is required; after a while, a new nail will grow.
• Onychogryphosis is associated with abnormal growth of the nail, when its edges grow into the skin, causing suppuration, swelling and pain. To get rid of the pathology, the nail should be surgically removed.

Abnormalities in the development of the nail structure, in the absence of qualified treatment and compliance with care rules, can cause the formation of a chronic process, which significantly complicates a speedy recovery.

Onychorrhexis

The main symptom is longitudinal splitting of the nail . There may be several cracks. At the beginning of the disease they are almost invisible, but later they become deeper.

Onychorrhexis can be by improperly performed manicures , the use of varnishes containing acetone, and frequent contact with household chemicals.

How to treat?

A visit to a dermatologist is mandatory. The doctor will identify the root cause and select the correct treatment. Usually prescribed:

• Drugs that normalize blood microcirculation. • Means for strengthening the walls of blood vessels. • Vitamins, minerals and amino acids. • Massage. • Physiotherapy.

Reasons for appearance

The formation of onychorrhexis on the nails can be caused by a number of factors and diseases. They all boil down to a general principle: if microcirculation disturbances occur in the nail growth zone, changes in the composition of the blood, this leads to visible symptoms.

On a note! At the initial stage, onychorrhexis creates a visible cosmetic defect. In its advanced form, nails are also affected by a fungal infection. This leads to complete damage to the nail plate.

Who is at risk for onychorrhexis:

• people with Raynaud's syndrome and other autoimmune diseases;
• suffering from systemic atherosclerosis, eczema, alopecia;
• having nail diseases such as onychomycosis (fungus), psoriasis;
• diagnosed with diabetes mellitus or thyrotoxicosis;
• women who use cheap nail polishes that contain acetone;
• those who often come into contact with aggressive detergents and household chemicals without using hand protection;
• mechanically injured nails;
• having a tendency to this disease, which is inherited.

Sometimes onychorrhexis can occur in people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder .
With this disease, a person has the feeling that his hands are dirty, and he washes them every 20-30 minutes. Splitting nails in childhood can occur not only as a result of some disease, but also due to malnutrition, lack of necessary minerals and vitamins in the body.

Important! Onychorrhexis can occur after visiting a manicurist who has injured the matrix of the nail plate.

Onychoschisis

In this case, the nail plate delaminates and splits , and transverse cracks form. The color of the nail plate takes on a gray or off-white tint.

A common cause is direct contact with nails with household chemicals. Alkaline solutions are especially dangerous.

Cheap nail polishes and solvents containing acetone also cause harm.

Another reason for delamination can be improper handling of a nail file or the use of too rough manicure tools.

Treatment of nail dystrophy – onychoschisis.

Treatment is aimed at restoring nutrition and strengthening the nail plate . Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary medications. Treatment includes massage and physiotherapy. For better nutrition of the nail, complexes of vitamins and minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids are prescribed.

General strengthening and sedatives are used to enhance immunity.

How and with what drugs to treat?

You can get rid of split nails if you carry out complex treatment in three directions:

1. Determining the cause of onychorrhexis and treating the underlying disease.
2. Strengthening the nail plate and improving its appearance.
3. Preventive measures aimed at eliminating relapse.

To strengthen the immune system and nail plates, vitamin complexes, special baths and massages are prescribed.
During the procedure, nutrients are rubbed directly into the affected nail. Medicines are also prescribed to normalize blood microcirculation and agents that help strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Remedies for the treatment of onychorrhexis on nails:

1. Pencil Peclavus. Effective at an early stage. It has an effect on growth restoration and reduces the impact of external factors.
2. "Ketoconazole", "Itraconazole", "Terbinafine", "Fluconazole". Drugs with antimycotic action. Promote the growth of a new nail plate without damage.
3. Preparations containing vitamins A, B, iron, calcium, gelatin.
4. Exoderil ointment. Has bactericidal properties. Apply directly to damaged fingernails or toenails.

Also for treatment, courses of ozokerite, paraffin therapy, and therapeutic mud applications are prescribed.

On a note! The course of treatment for onychorrhexis on the nails can last from 3 months to 1 year.

Which doctor should I contact?

Treatment of onychorrhexis begins with a visit to a dermatologist .
After diagnosing and establishing the cause causing external changes, he refers to a specialist. For example, if it is determined that onychorrhexis on the nails occurred as a result of intestinal dysfunction, and the necessary substances are no longer absorbed into the blood, then the dermatologist will refer the patient to a gastroenterologist. As a rule, after eliminating the main cause, the appearance of the nail plates returns to normal and acquires a natural color.

Important! A highly specialized doctor treats the disease and prescribes the necessary medications.

Beau-Reil's furrows

They look like dense arched grooves . They pass through the entire nail plate between the lateral ridges of the nail. The depth of the furrow reaches 1 mm. The color of the nail does not change. If there are several grooves, the nail becomes wavy.

In severe cases, the Beau-Reil groove deepens and divides the nail into two parts. The distant half is subsequently completely separated.

The reasons for the appearance may be different:

• Injuries, including from cosmetic procedures. • Presence of skin diseases of the fingers and nails: fungus, eczema, psoriasis. • Frequent stress. • Infectious diseases. • Heat. • Food poisoning. • Previous myocardial infarction.

How to get rid of it?

Beau-Reil's furrows are not considered a separate disease. Their presence is the result of a malfunction of the nail matrix. Therefore, the furrow that appears does not need to be treated . She'll get off on her own. However, it is worth paying attention to the reason that caused the deformation of the nail. And only a doctor can do this. So you will have to see a dermatologist.

Treatment of onycholysis of a large affected area

Experts, talking about how to treat onycholysis when the plate is completely damaged, draw attention to the need for its surgical removal.

After the operation, the patient is prescribed rehabilitation therapy. It consists of taking vitamins A, B and E, as well as calcium.

Such substances are the basis for the construction of a new stratum corneum, for this reason their intake cannot be ignored.

When the nail is separated from the finger, a gaping wound is left in its place. It needs to be properly treated and special therapeutic dressings applied.

At this stage, antiseptic solutions and ointments are used, which contain potent antibiotics.

If the cause of detachment of the nail from the finger is a hematoma, the plate is not removed.

Therapy aimed at eliminating the hematoma is selected. There are different ways to remove a blood clot.

One option for removing a hematoma is clearly demonstrated in the following video.

This procedure is slightly painful, you should not be afraid of it, but the hematoma must be removed in a hospital, this prevents the risks of possible infection.

"Thimble" nail

Numerous pinpoint depressions appear
on the nail plate . In appearance, the nail resembles a thimble.

This pathology is also not an independent disease. It manifests itself in advanced forms of seborrhea or focal alopecia.

How to get rid of it?

The main efforts are directed to the treatment of major diseases. Nails must be maintained and strengthened with healing masks and baths.

What it is?

Onychorrhexis is one of the few types of violation of the integrity of the nails.
As a result of the disease, the surface of the nail plate is split in the longitudinal direction. This visible defect is not an independent pathology, but occurs as a symptom of the underlying disease.

Diagnosis of onychorrhexis is carried out after a series of tests:

• external examination under a magnifying glass;
• scraping from the surface to detect the presence of fungal infections;
• taking blood tests;
• carrying out confocal microscopy.

Additionally, tests such as ultrasound of organs located in the abdominal cavity, thyroid gland, and gastroscopy may be prescribed.

On a note! Onychorrhexis is the term that dermatologists use to describe problems with nails, such as lamination and brittleness.

Nail dyschromia

Characterized by a change in the color of the nail plate . The nail may completely change color, and individual spots and stripes may appear from white to black.

One of the reasons is nail injury. Gray, brown, yellow shades occur under the influence of chemicals and certain types of medications.

Discoloration sometimes occurs as a consequence of an existing disease.

How to get rid of it?

Seeing a doctor is mandatory . In addition to a dermatologist, you may need to consult an endocrinologist, cardiologist, pulmonologist, nephrologist. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor based on the results of the examination.

About the disease

Onycholysis is a disease in which the integrity of the nail plate is damaged, and the nail itself is partially or entirely separated from the bed.

This is easy to notice by the change in color, when the exfoliated area becomes identical in shade to the edges.

In some cases, the color may vary from bluish to burgundy.

At the initial stages, the peeling is not too noticeable, but gradually the damaged surface grows.

Based on the size of the lesion, onycholysis is divided into complete and partial. The choice of treatment method and specific drugs depends on the cause of the disease.

Main symptoms

The main sign that something is wrong with the nails is peeling at the edges of the plate. Gradually, the process can even reach the base of the nail, in which case there is a high risk of losing it completely.

In addition, you may notice other symptoms:

• uneven nail thickness, unevenness on the surface;
• color change;
• painful sensations;
• redness;
• purulent discharge;
• brittle nails;
• hematomas;
• bleeding.

Onycholysis is often confused with a fungus because the external symptoms may be similar. However, this disease has differences from a fungal infection:

1. Onycholysis itself is not contagious unless it is caused by an infection.
2. With fungus, the nail plate first changes color, becomes thicker, and then in the final stages begins to peel off. Onycholysis begins precisely with exfoliation.
3. A fungal infection causes itching and redness.
4. Nails affected by fungus have an unpleasant odor, which is absent in non-infectious onycholysis.
5. The cause of fungal diseases is the activity of pathogenic microflora, while onycholysis is often caused by other reasons - trauma, pathological changes in the body, etc.

However, there are situations when both diseases occur simultaneously. Therefore, at the very first symptoms, you need to see both a dermatologist and a mycologist.

Based on the test results, it is already possible to make a correct diagnosis and choose the appropriate treatment.

Onychomycosis

This is a fungal infection. There are three types of onychomycosis:

• normotrophic • hypertrophic • atrophic (onycholytic)

With normotrophic onychomycosis, only the color of the nail changes. Stripes and spots of white or yellowish-gray color appear along the edges. Over time, the entire nail changes color.

With hypertrophic onychomycosis, the nail changes color, becomes dull, thickens and collapses on the sides.

With atrophic onychomycosis, the nail becomes brownish-gray, the nail plate becomes thinner and is rejected. The exposed area of ​​the finger is covered with a loose growth.

And infection occurs in damp public places: saunas, baths, swimming pools. Skin flakes containing pathogenic fungi fall off the feet of an infected person. In a humid environment, fungi persist for a long time, multiply and infect other people.

Within a family, the fungus is transmitted by sharing shoes, washcloths, and towels.

How to get rid of it?

Topical ointments are ineffective when it comes to damage to the nail plate. An unhealthy nail must first be softened with a keratolytic patch. After this, it can be easily removed mechanically using scissors.

Prevention

First of all, if you have onychorexia, you need to review your menu, adding foods high in vitamins and microelements that will allow your nails to recover faster.
You can find out from a nutritionist how to choose the right menu and what products should be included in it. In autumn and winter, be sure to take a multivitamin complex. Your dermatologist will also likely prescribe an antifungal cream to help prevent your damaged nail beds from getting infected and avoid onychorrhexis in the future. To get rid of dystrophy of the nail plate, first of all, you need to normalize metabolic processes and, of course, identify the cause of its occurrence. In this case, the treatment will give positive results much faster and help get rid of the disease forever. Share:

"Manicure" nail dystrophy

The nail is covered lengthwise and crosswise with white stripes. Beau-Reil's furrows appear. The nail plate peels off, becomes wavy and rough.

The main reason is careless handling of the nail fold and nail plates during cosmetic procedures. Especially if manicures and pedicures are performed frequently.

The use of varnish and solvents containing acetone also damages and dehydrates the nail.

Treatment of manicure nail dystrophy:

Avoid traumatic cuticle trimming procedures . Use a safe unedged manicure. In this case, the cuticle is not cut. It is softened using a special product based on lactic or fruit acid. Then it is painlessly removed.

Do not wear nail polish, extensions, or false nails. Give your nails a temporary rest. Strengthen them with healing masks, compresses and baths.

Results

Preventive measures help prevent nail detachment.

To do this, it is important to take timely care of your nails, carefully do manicures and pedicures, and protect your fingers and toes from injury and exposure to aggressive chemicals.

If the nail peels off, you should not look for self-medication methods.

It is necessary to immediately make an appointment with a dermatologist and work with him to develop treatment tactics.

When the described phenomenon is a symptom of a concomitant disease, the main therapy is aimed at eliminating it.

Treatment of onycholysis begins after eliminating the identified cause.

The disease will not go away on its own; if you notice the first symptoms of nail detachment, you should not delay a visit to the doctor.

The sooner therapy begins, the sooner recovery will occur.

Onycholysis is a nail disease in which the nail plate peels off from the bed. During the course of the disease, the nail may change color, taking on blue, yellow, brown shades, or become dull. It begins, as usual, from one edge and, as it develops, increases the area of ​​exfoliation.

Treatment of nail dystrophy with folk remedies

Traditional medicine is great for restoring unhealthy nails. However, traditional methods are only a good addition to the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Here you will find the most effective of them:

For 10 days, morning and evening, treat your nails with 5% iodine tincture. A two-day break - and repeat the course again.

At night, apply a compress of 20% propolis tincture to the nail. Do 2-3 procedures. The tincture should not come into contact with the skin, so as not to cause a burn.

Stir 1 tablespoon of edible gelatin in two glasses of water at room temperature. Leave for 40 minutes to swell. Heat, stirring, until completely dissolved. Drink in separate sips throughout the day. The course is one month.

Baths

They should be hot - about 45 degrees. Use different bath options: sea salt, soda, starch, bran, eucalyptus, oak bark.

After taking a bath, gently pat your hands dry with a soft towel and massage the skin around the nail, rubbing in one of the following products: tea tree oil, melted wax, vitamins A or E.

Read more about nail baths.

Oil masks

Steam your fingers. Apply heated essential oil to your nails and surrounding skin. Wrap your fingers in cling film and put on wool mittens. After 15 minutes, massage your nails and the skin around them.

Use oils:

• Lemon. Has antibacterial and healing properties. • Ylang-ylang. Strengthens and prevents delamination. • Eucalyptus. Moisturizes and heals wounds. • Rosemary. Promotes growth.

***

Contact your doctor when the first signs of problems in your body appear.

Eat right. Eat dishes with gelatin: marmalade, jelly, aspic. Dairy products, yeast, soy products, seafood, green vegetables are useful.

Hand care during treatment

To make onychorrhexis go away faster, you need to follow simple rules for caring for your hands and nails. These measures are also relevant for ongoing daily care after recovery.

• Don't wash your hands too often. Sometimes washing can be replaced by using special antiseptic gels, wipes or sprays.
• Use quality hand creams and cuticle moisturizers regularly.
• Always do all housework with gloves.
• Try to avoid frequent contact of the skin of your hands with cold air.
• No matter how much you always want to have a beautiful manicure, give your nails a little break from the effects of varnish.

Do not forget that onychorrhexis should be treated only with the help of a specialist and under his strict supervision. In conclusion, we invite you to watch the video and get acquainted with the IBX nail treatment system, which has proven itself in the fight against splitting.