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The Integumentary System

barrier.

Nail Diseases

Nail diseases are in a separate category from diseases of
the skin. Although nails are a skin appendage, they have
their own signs and symptoms which may relate to other
medical conditions. Nail conditions that show signs of
infection or inflammation require medical assistance and Nails: left hand, adult human male
cannot be treated at a beauty parlor. Deformity or disease of
the nails may be referred to as onychosis.

There are many disease that can occur with the fingernails and toenails. The most common of these
diseases are ingrown nails and fungal infections.

Ingrown Nails

Onychocryptosis, commonly known as "ingrown nails" (unguis incarnatus), can affect either the
fingers or the toes. In this condition, the nail cuts into one or both sides of the nail bed, resulting in
inflammation and possibly infection. The relative rarity of this condition in the fingers suggests that
pressure from the ground or shoe against the toe is a prime factor. The movements involved in walking
or other physical disturbances can contribute to the problem. Mild onychocryptosis, particularly in the
absence of infection, can be treated by trimming and rounding the nail. More advanced cases, which
usually include infection, are treated by surgically excising the ingrowing portion of the nail down to
its bony origin and cauterizing the matrix, or 'root', to prevent recurrence. This surgery is called
matricectomy. The best results are achieved by cauterizing the matrix with phenol. Another method,
which is much less effective, is excision of the matrix, sometimes called a 'cold steel procedure'

Nail Fungus

An infection of nail fungus (onychomycosis) occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails.
Onychomycosis generally begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail. As
the nail fungus spreads deeper into the nail, it may cause the nail to discolor, thicken and develop
crumbling edges — an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

Infections of nail fungus account for about half of all nail disorders. These infections usually
develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower
floors. Nail fungus isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but at
times the two may coexist and can be caused by the same type of fungus.

An infection with nail fungus may be difficult to treat, and infections may recur. But medications
are available to help clear up nail fungus permanently.

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