Nail Problems
0 Treatments
6 FAQs
Nail problems encompass a variety of conditions that affect the appearance, texture, and health of fingernails and toenails. These issues can range from minor cosmetic concerns to symptoms of underlying systemic diseases. Common nail problems include fungal infections (onychomycosis), bacterial infections (paronychia), psoriasis of the nails, nail trauma, ingrown toenails, and abnormal nail growth patterns.
Treatments (0)
Advice for Nail Problems
Common symptoms of nail problems include discoloration (yellowing, browning, white spots, or green-black coloration), thickening, brittleness, splitting or peeling, pitting or indentations, ridges or grooves, separation from the nail bed (onycholysis), abnormal curvature, and pain or tenderness around the nail. For fungal infections specifically, symptoms typically include yellowing or whitish discoloration, thickening, crumbling, distorted shape, and sometimes an unpleasant odour. Ingrown toenails cause pain, redness, and swelling of the skin adjacent to the nail. Different nail problems present with distinct symptom patterns, which helps in diagnosis.
Nail Problems FAQs (6)
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are typically caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungi that feeds on keratin. They thrive in warm, moist environments and can enter through small cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed. Risk factors include increased age, reduced circulation, diabetes, a weakened immune system, excessive sweating, and frequent exposure to water or communal areas like swimming pools and gym showers.
Amorolfine nail lacquer (5%) is clinically proven to be effective against many fungi that cause nail infections. It works by interfering with fungal cell membranes, eventually killing the fungi. It's particularly effective for treating distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis when the infection hasn't spread to the nail matrix. Treatment typically requires patience, often 6-12 months for toenails and 3-6 months for fingernails.
Side effects of amorolfine nail lacquer are generally mild and localised to the application site. These may include temporary redness, itching, or burning sensation around the nail. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. If significant irritation occurs, reduce the frequency of application or consult your healthcare provider.
This can be difficult as both conditions can cause similar changes including discoloration and thickening. Fungal infections typically affect one or few nails and often start at the tip or side of the nail. Nail psoriasis frequently affects multiple nails symmetrically and may be accompanied by skin psoriasis elsewhere. Definitive diagnosis may require laboratory testing of nail clippings or a biopsy.
National Health Service (NHS)
Fungal nail infections: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fungal-nail-infection/
Nail problems general: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nail-problems/
British Association of Dermatologists (BAD)
Fungal infections of the nails: https://www.bad.org.uk/patient-information-leaflets/fungal-infections-of-the-nails/
Nail psoriasis: https://www.bad.org.uk/patient-information-leaflets/psoriasis-of-the-hands-and-feet/
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
Fungal nail infection treatment guidance: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fungal-nail-infection/
Nail disorders: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/nail-disorders/
British National Formulary (BNF)
Amorolfine: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/amorolfine/
Antifungals for nail infections: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/skin-infections.html