Nail Disease Treatment: Causes, Symptoms and Effective Solutions

Nails can be an indicator of general health status and different diseases can show symptoms on nails. Nail diseases can be aesthetically disturbing and spoil the natural appearance of nails, while at the same time they can be a sign of some serious health problems. Adana dermatologist Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of nail diseases and offers personalized treatment options to her patients. In this article, you can find detailed information about the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of nail diseases.

1. What Are Nail Diseases?

Nail diseases include different diseases that affect the structure, color, texture and growth pattern of the nail. Symptoms such as breaking, thickening, color change and deformity of the nails may indicate various nail diseases. The most common nail diseases are:

• Onychomycosis (Nail Fungus)
• Paronychia (Nail Infection)
• Ingrown Nail
• Psoriasis (Psoriasis) Nail Involvement
• Nail Dystrophy (Nail Deterioration)
• Beau Lines (Horizontal Lines on the Nail)
• Koilonychia (Spoon Nail)

2. Causes of Nail Diseases

Nail diseases can be caused by genetic factors, infections, traumas, immune system problems or environmental effects. Although the causes of these diseases vary from person to person, the most common causes are listed below:

Infections

One of the most common causes of nail diseases is infections caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) develops as a result of fungi, especially those found in moist environments, settling in the nails. Bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the nail beds (paronychia) on the fingertips.

Trauma

Hit to the nails can damage the structure of the nails, causing thickening, discoloration and cracking. Frequent manicures or pedicures, incorrect nail cutting and exposure to chemicals can also trigger nail diseases.

Genetic and Autoimmune Diseases

Some nail diseases can be caused by genetic predisposition. In addition, autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis can cause nails to deteriorate and thicken. These types of diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.

Nutritional Deficiencies

A deficiency of vitamins and minerals such as biotin, iron and zinc can cause nails to weaken, crack and change color. In particular, conditions such as anemia can manifest themselves with deformities in the nails.

Exposure to Chemicals

Frequent exposure to cleaning materials, detergents or other chemicals can cause nails to break, thin and damage the nail beds.

3. Symptoms of Nail Diseases

Symptoms of nail diseases vary depending on the type of disease. The most common nail diseases are listed below:

• Nail Fungus: Thickening of the nail, yellowish or brown discoloration, white spots at the tip of the nail and deformity.
• Paronychia (Nail Infection): Redness, swelling, pain and pus formation around the nail.
• Ingrown Nail: The side edges of the nail grow into the flesh and severe pain, swelling and infection in this area.
• Nail Psoriasis: Pitting on the nail surface, separation of the nail bed, yellow spots and nail thickening.
• Nail Cracking and Breaking: Nails become thinner and break easily.
• Nail Color Changes: Nails turn yellow, white, purple or brownto turn into.

4. Can Nail Diseases Be Treated?

Most nail diseases can be cured with early diagnosis and correct treatment methods. The treatment of nail diseases varies according to the cause and severity of the disease. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü ensures that her patients have healthy nails by using the latest techniques in the treatment of nail diseases.

5. Treatment Methods for Nail Diseases

The treatment of nail diseases is usually determined according to the type, cause and severity of the disease. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü creates personalized treatment plans according to the needs of her patients.

Antifungal Treatments

Nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be treated with antifungal creams, sprays or oral medications that are effective against fungal infections. This treatment prevents the spread of the fungus and allows healthy nails to regenerate.

Antibiotic Treatment

Diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as paronychia, can be cured with antibiotic treatment. Depending on the severity of the infection, topical or oral antibiotics are used.

Corticosteroid Treatment

Corticosteroid treatment is applied in cases of inflammation and nail thickening due to psoriasis. This treatment reduces inflammation and restores nail health.

Ingrown Nail Treatment

Ingrown Nail can be treated with minor surgical procedures under local anesthesia in cases where the nail is surgically corrected or the nail roots are weakened. In addition, nail bed protectors can be used to ensure proper nail growth.

Laser Treatment

In some cases, laser treatment can be effective in treating nail fungus. Laser beams destroy the fungus without damaging the nail's growth. This treatment method is especially preferred for resistant nail fungal infections.

Vitamin and Nutritional Supports

Biotin, zinc and iron supplements can be recommended to strengthen and keep nails healthy. In addition, a balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining nail health.

6. Nail Disease Prevention Methods

It is possible to take some simple precautions to protect yourself from nail diseases. Uzm. Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü offers the following suggestions to protect your nail health:

• Keep your hands and nails clean: Washing your hands regularly is important to clean dirt accumulated under your nails and prevent fungal infections.
• Avoid Chemicals: Using gloves when working with cleaning materials or chemicals prevents damage to your nails.
• Cut your nails regularly: Cutting your nails properly and regularly helps prevent ingrown toenails and trauma.
• Choose nail care products carefully: Products containing harsh chemicals such as nail polish and acetone can weaken your nails. Natural and nutritious products should be preferred.
• Use moisturizer: Moisturizing the nails and cuticles prevents drying and cracking.

7. Psychological Effects of Nail Diseases

Nail diseases can cause aesthetic concerns and negatively affect individuals' self-confidence. Especially visible nail problems such as nail fungus, color changes and deformities can lead to social concerns. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü plans the treatment process by considering not only the physical recovery but also the psychological health of her patients in the treatment of nail diseases.

8. The Importance of Early Diagnosis in Nail Diseases

Early diagnosis of nail diseases is an important factor that increases the success of treatment. When color change, thickening, breakage or deformity is noticed in the nails, it is necessary to consult a dermatologist without delay. With early diagnosis and treatment, nails regain their healthy appearance faster.

In AdanaSpecialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü provides a wide range of services in the diagnosis and treatment of nail diseases, providing her patients with the opportunity to have healthy nails. You can contact our clinic to get more information about nail diseases and to create your personal treatment plan.