Does Nail Fungus Cause Nail Disorders?

Does Nail Fungus Cause Nail Disorders?

Nail disorders are normally caused by physical injury to the nail, underlying health condition and a fungus infection. The nail fungal infection can be eradicated by following a right treatment that enhances the development of a new and non-infected nail.

Healthy nails are the mirror of our good health. Nails are grown tough and acts as a barrier between our skin and physical injury, hot water and chemicals. Yet, nails are prone to injury and can get infected. There are several types of nail disorders and some of them are mentioned here.

Symptoms of some common Nail Disorders

Nail disorders can be easily recognized by some of these common signs and symptoms. If your nail gets separated from the nail bed, becomes thick and brittle, or shows discoloration, consult your health care provider. It might be possible you are suffering from some sort of nail disorder. Scars and ridges on the nail plate, painful red swelling surrounding the nail and lesions are some other symptoms associated with nail disorders.

What are the causes of Nail Disorders?

Nail disorders are mainly caused by the physical injury to the nail, fungal infection and skin diseases like leprosy, eczema and psoriasis. Due to the lack of required minerals and vitamins, the nail may become fragile and delicate. Arsenic and silver are some of the drugs that are responsible for the nail pigmentation.

Some Types Of Nail Disorders

Nail Discoloration: Nails often gets discolored due to nail varnish, chemicals from hair dyes and certain drugs. Some other causes of nail discoloration include antimalarial drugs and agents used in chemotherapy. Dark discoloration may also be caused due to the bleeding under the nail plate.

Onychoschiza or Brittle Splitting Nails: Onychoschiza is a condition that causes horizontal splits within the nail plate. Women are more prone to this type of nail disorder since their nails are exposed to harsh detergents and water used in household cleaning. The layers of the nail plates are gelled together by the oil and moisture present in the nail. However, as we age the natural oil and moisture present in the nail is greatly reduced. Therefore, we should keep our nails hydrated by applying a nail-oil that contains jojoba oil and vitamin E.

Onychomycosis or Nail Fungal Infection: Onychomycosis is caused by a group of fungi, called dermatophytes. You may recognize a nail fungal infection as a green or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. The nail becomes deformed, brittle and thick due to the presence of fungus. The fungus eats the protein or keratin of the nail plate. Onychomycosis is usually caused by a nail-injury or by walking barefoot in places like communal shower or swimming pools.

Oncholysis: Another common nail disorder is oncholysis that includes the separation of the nail from the nail bed. Bacteria and yeast collects in the space created between the nail and the nail plate making it discolored. The nail gets infected due to the collection of water under the nail. Physical trauma to the nail, fungal infection and some underlying health condition can cause the nail to get separated from the nail bed.

Paronychia: Viruses, bacteria and fungi causes a bacterial nail infection called Paronychia. The inflammation is produced surrounding the region of the finger or toe from which the nail plate originates. The inflammation may be acute (short-term) or maybe chronic, the one that keeps coming back. This nail disorder is easily transmittable and usually found among those who have their hands in water for long periods.