Median nail dystrophy. How to cure dystrophy of the nail plate. Symptoms and types

Dystrophy of the thumbnail (onychodystrophy) - a pathology in which deformation occurs nail plate, its color and shape change.

Provoking factors

The causes of the appearance of the disease on the hands and feet lie in improper care for them and inadequate nutrition. The disease develops in humans of different ages and gender, as well as in children.

In adults

There are a number of factors that cause onychodystrophy in people over 20 years old:

  • bad ecology;
  • injury;
  • lack of vitamins (vitamin deficiency caused by improper diet);
  • fungus;
  • weakened immunity (due to stressful conditions, infectious diseases);
  • eczema (psoriasis);
  • various imbalances in the thyroid gland;
  • problems of the heart and blood vessels, circulatory disorders;
  • not proper care;
  • regular exposure to the nail surface of chemicals.

In children

V childhood the development of a defect is caused by similar factors, to which are added:

  • congenital pathologies;
  • skin problems;
  • infections (chickenpox, measles, scarlet fever);
  • chronic diseases internal organs;
  • weakened immunity.

The disease in children does not have serious, severe manifestations, proceeds and is easily treated.

Symptoms

The disease is manifested by the following changes in the nails:

  • fragility and fragility;
  • transverse and longitudinal grooves;
  • exfoliation;
  • cracking and splitting;
  • thinning;
  • dullness, roughness, scaling and indentations.

Types of dystrophy of the nail plate

The disease has several varieties.

Bo furrows

The disease is called "manicure dystrophy". It is characterized by the formation of bulges (arcs or pits) in the transverse direction of the nails, a change in their color and structure (because of this, they become loose and brittle).

Pathology occurs as a result of injury at the base, improper processing during the manicure procedure, as well as due to the negative effect of acetone, varnishes and phenolpharmaldehyde resins.

Median canal dystrophy of nails

It is stimulated by injuries to the base of the plate (one-time or regular), characterized by the appearance of a longitudinal channel from the cuticle to its edge (the depth does not exceed 6 mm). The disease is aggravated by scratching, touching the sore spot (the risk of an open wound and its infection develops).

Onychoshisis

Damage (multiple splitting) of the nail from the free end. If you cut it off, then the pathological process will resume in the same place. This is due to a lack of vitamins and minerals.

Onycholysis

It differs in partial or complete detachment of the plate, which is separated slowly and does not cause painful sensations. Causes include injury, nutritional deficiencies, fungus, tight and uncomfortable shoes.

Onychorexis

It manifests itself in the thinning and fragility of the nail, as a result of the disease, it cracks and breaks. This condition is caused by chemicals and aggressive synthetic substances.

Gapalohinia

Softening the nail surface. The process takes place under the influence of internal and external factors. The first are:

  • arthritis;
  • digestive problems;
  • thyroid pathology;
  • insufficient amount of vitamins, microelements.

To the second:

  • chemicals, varnishes;
  • incorrectly performed pedicure;
  • injury (at the base of the nail plate).

Trachnonchinia

As a result of eczema deformation, the nail loses its smoothness and shine, roughness, irregularities and depressions appear on it.

Dyschromia

The phenomenon in which nail surface changes color. It may indicate diseases of internal organs (liver, heart, dysfunction of the adrenal cortex), and is also one of the indicators of pregnancy.

A healthy nail is characterized by a pink tint, the appearance of pallor signals anemia, a yellow-brown color - about the presence of fungus, psoriasis, is the result of taking antibiotics, white indicates a lack of blood supply to the problem area, a deficiency of calcium and hormones, blue - about the pathology of the heart and vascular system.

The formation of grooves is caused by vitamin deficiency, digestive problems.

Therapies

Treatment of nail dystrophy involves an integrated approach: the parallel use of medications and folk remedies... But for this process to be effective, you must first determine the source of the disease (it can be hidden in the problems of internal organs) and completely eliminate its negative impact on the body.

Medication

Choice drugs depends on the type and cause of the disease. Taking this fact into account, appoint:

  • calcium-containing foods, sea ​​buckthorn oil for external use (with median canal-like dystrophy);
  • vitamin complexes and microelements, nail protection (with onychoshisis, hapalochinia);
  • antiseptics and antifungal ointments, a prerequisite is observance of foot hygiene (with onycholysis);
  • proper nutrition, elimination of the source that provoked the disease (with onychorexis).
  • "Multimax", "Vitrum", "Complivit", "Merz" (to restore the vitamin and mineral balance);
  • "Calcemin", "Calcium gluconate", "Calcid" (medicines containing calcium);
  • valerian, motherwort (in the form of tinctures and fees);
  • Endotelon, Detralex;
  • antiperspirants.

If the disease is of a fungal nature, then the tablets "Onykhon", "Nizoral", "Flucostat", "Terbizil", "Mycozoral" are prescribed.

They are not allowed for pregnant women, people with kidney and liver pathologies, children.

A patient suffering from nail dystrophy is shown a special diet:

  • collagen-rich first courses (soups);
  • vegetables and fruits with a high content of silicon;
  • products containing vitamin A (liver, herbs, animal oil).

Folk recipes

The use of non-traditional means of treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of a physician. To get rid of the problem, they apply compresses, do foot baths, and use oil masks.

Good healing properties possess propolis, lemon, honey, iodine.

Baths

In the treatment of nail dystrophy, baths are used from:

  • sea ​​salt (a tablespoon of dry matter in a glass of water);
  • lemon (2 tbsp. l. juice is dissolved, sea salt is added);
  • honey (a couple of tablespoons steamed in a water bath, mixed in equal proportions with lemon juice);
  • vinegar (3 tablespoons of acid are mixed with two tablespoons of lemon juice, add half a glass of warm water);
  • iodine (2 tablespoons of lemon juice is mixed with three drops of iodine, one tablespoon of honey and 100 grams of glycerin).

Oil masks

Cooking process: olive oil (warmed) is mixed with lemon juice (1 tablespoon). Apply the mixture to the nails, stand for 15 minutes, wipe with a clean dry cloth or napkin (but do not rinse off).

Esters of eucalyptus, rosemary, ylang-ylang are used as components.

Means for oral administration

For these purposes, food gelatin is used. It is stirred in two glasses of water, insisted for 40 minutes to swell, heated (so that everything is completely dissolved), and the mixture is drunk during the day. The procedure is repeated throughout the month.

The danger of self-medication

It is necessary to treat onychodystrophy only after the doctor has established an accurate diagnosis and the cause that provoked the disease. Self-medication (taking antifungal drugs) and an attempt to mask defects (when using varnishes and gels) can only aggravate the situation and complicate the healing process.

Preventive measures

The main measures to prevent thumb dystrophy are:

  • compliance with the rules of foot hygiene;
  • balanced nutrition (with a sufficient content of minerals and vitamins);
  • competent pedicure and care of the nails of the lower extremities, the use of high-quality varnishes and gels for application;
  • avoidance of contact with hazardous chemicals, injury to the nail plates.

A pathological change in the nail plates (onychopathy) can manifest itself in a change in their structure, shape and color. They are of a different nature and occur quite often. For many people, especially girls and women, changes are often the cause of various psychoemotional disorders and functional disorders. In 30-50% of nail defects occur as a result of a fungal infection, the rest of the cases are nail dystrophy, or onychodystrophy.

Nail structure

The nail is a stratum corneum, the strength of which is provided by a special arrangement and adhesion of cells, between which keratin fibers are placed in several layers parallel to the surface. They are a protein that contains cysteic acid, which contains sulfur. The larger the latter, the harder and harder the nails. The content of cysteine ​​in them is genetically determined and is inherited.

The spaces between the keratin layers are filled with water and fatty molecules, which gives the nails elasticity, flexibility and shine. The less water and fat in the nails, the more fragile and brittle they are. They are able to lose and absorb water, oils and fats many times more intensely than the skin (100 times).

The nail plate is placed on epithelial cells the terminal phalanges of the fingers and is surrounded on three sides by rollers. The bed contains layers of the dermis and epidermis, which have a ridged surface that corresponds to the inner surface of the nail. The cells of the epidermis are able to divide, due to which the plate grows in width. The part of the epidermis located under the nail root is called the matrix. Those cells that are deeper grow, and the superficial ones turn into horny ones. Thus, the nail itself is pushed out of the groove and grows in length.

The dermis of the nail bed contains a large number of nerve endings and small blood vessels. The cells of the epidermis of the posterior ridge are very tightly attached to the outer surface of the nail plate and protect the matrix from the penetration of fungal and bacterial infections, as well as from negative external factors.

Causes of nail dystrophy

Often, onychodystrophy is an independent pathology. However, the main reasons are:

  • various dermatoses;
  • congenital pathology;
  • diseases of a somatic nature (cardiovascular, respiratory, liver and gallbladder, connective tissue, etc.), including endocrine diseases;
  • intoxication, infectious and some venereal (syphilis) diseases;
  • lack of vitamins, especially vitamins "A", group "B", in particular, vitamin "B2";
  • deficiency of sulfur and calcium salts in food;
  • traumatic (mechanical or chemical) damage;
  • psychological trauma.

Under the influence of the same causes (disease or damage), the signs of dystrophy can be different and, conversely, in different diseases, for example, of a somatic or infectious nature, the changes can be the same. In addition, all types of onychodystrophy are similar to (fungal infections).

Therefore, when deciding how to cure nail dystrophy, not only the nature of the lesion of the nail plate is always taken into account, but differential diagnosis is also carried out by carrying out additional laboratory research- examination under a microscope of scrapings from the affected surface.

The most common types of dystrophy

Changes in the surface of the nail

Mechanical or chemical damage can result in:

  1. Median canal dystrophy of nails
  2. "Manicure" dystrophy

Median canal dystrophy

It is characterized by a wavy surface and a transverse arcuate depression in the form of a groove or groove up to 4 mm wide or more. The nail plates resemble a forked washboard. In the area of ​​the nail ridges, which are thickened, minor erosion, scratching and peeling may occur. Such nail dystrophy is often found in persons suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. They constantly injure ("fiddle") the nail and nail folds. The main treatment for such patients is psychological conversations, taking sedative herbal medicines (tinctures and infusions of hawthorn, valerian, motherwort), tranquilizers.

"Manicure" dystrophy

It is characterized by the presence of a transverse arcuate groove (Bo groove). This pathology occurs as a result of damage to the nail apparatus during unprofessional cosmetic treatment of nails on the hands and / or feet and the frequent use of varnishes. Burr formation, areas of damage to the nail ridges and skin cracks, places of shearing and cutting of cuticles with inaccurate exposure - all this is good conditions for the penetration and development of infection.

The degree and nature of the manifestation of nail dystrophy in these cases depends on the frequency, duration and intensity of exposure to the nail folds. Overly active and careless manicure and pedicure procedures lead to the appearance of multiple transverse grooves, the surface of the nails becomes wavy, and the appearance of multiple longitudinal grooves is possible. A particularly negative effect on nails is exerted by the use of acetone when removing varnishes, applying varnishes based on phenol-formaldehyde resins, synthetic rubber containing pigments and paints. These substances dehydrate and degrease the nails, which leads to their transverse and longitudinal delamination, peeling, roughness, furrowing, hyperkeratosis, paronychia and destruction of the nail plate.

Similar pathological changes in the nail plates can occur with psoriasis and eczema, especially when they are localized on the dorsum of the hand, after infectious diseases, mental trauma, and myocardial infarction.

In these cases, the main treatment for dystrophy of toenails and hands consists in the rejection of traumatic procedures and damaging chemical factors, treatment of the underlying disease and local exposure.

Thimble nail

This pathology occurs in severe forms or. The condition is characterized by multiple point depressions on the surface of the nail plate, as a result of which it takes the form of a thimble.

"Thimble" deformation of the nail

Dyschromias (discoloration)

A healthy nail, due to its transparency, has a pink color. In case of dysfunction of the matrix, whitish areas of various sizes may appear:

  1. Point, arising from injury or an unknown cause.
  2. In the form of stripes - after infectious diseases or other disorders of trophism (nutrition) of the nails.
  3. Total, occupying almost the entire nail plate and testifying in favor of any chronic somatic pathology - serious illnesses liver, insulin resistant diabetes, severe heart failure. In old age, most of the nail may become whitish with a brownish-red stripe at the end (Terry's nails). In 10% of cases of chronic renal failure, the distal half of the nail becomes brown due to deposits of melanin (melanonychia), and the proximal half is whitish (Lindsay's nails).

Melanonychia can also be the result of malignant neoplasms, taking certain medications, or trauma to the nails.

There are also many other forms of dystrophic pathology - a change in shape (concave, or saucer-shaped, convex, round in the form of watch glasses, claw-like), increased fragility, total or partial detachment from the bed, etc.

Dyschromia

Treatment of nail dystrophy

It consists, first of all, in the establishment and elimination of the causes. At the same time, agents are used to improve microcirculation in the tissues of the extremities (massage, physiotherapeutic techniques, drugs of angioprotective action), mineral-vitamin complexes with an increased content of vitamins of the group "B", "A", "E", sulfur, calcium and selenium.

Local treatment includes the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and baths with infusion of medicinal plants (in the presence of inflammation), the application of nourishing and moisturizing creams containing trace elements, vitamins and amino acids.

Treatment of onychodystrophies should always affect not only the results of pathology, but also the mechanism of its development, be comprehensive and take into account individual characteristics the patient's body.

As a result of exposure to certain negative factors, such an unpleasant phenomenon as dystrophy of the nail plate (onychodystrophy). The disease has both congenital and acquired forms (occurs in most cases).

The disease manifests itself in different ways, however, there are a number of characteristic external signs, by which you can recognize onychodystrophy.

The nail plate bends, becomes more brittle and soft, longitudinal grooves appear on its surface - this may be a sign of dystrophy of the nail plate (see photo below) .

Important! There are no universal methods to cope with the problem, so it is necessary to identify the cause that provoked the development of the disease as early as possible and eliminate it.

The occurrence of pathological changes in the nail plate on the hands can be caused by such negative factors as:

  1. Skin diseases(such as eczema);
  2. Congenital malformations;
  3. Diseases of vital internal organs(heart, kidneys, upper respiratory tract, hormone-producing organs);
  4. Persistent intoxication organism;
  5. Infectious diseases, including STDs;
  6. Insufficient vitamin content(especially B vitamins) and minerals (sulfur, calcium salts) in the body;
  7. Nail plate injuries;
  8. Chronic overwork, depression, nervous disorders.





Classification

There are 6 types of pathology, each of which has a number of its distinctive features.

Attention! Only an experienced specialist can determine the type of ailment.

The following types of disease are distinguished:

  1. Median dystrophy;
  2. Manicure (Bo's furrow);
  3. Gapalonychia;
  4. Discoloration of the nail plate;
  5. Thimble dystrophy;
  6. Onychorexis.
Variety Characteristic
Median The surface of the nail acquires a wavy shape, a wide groove, a depression forms in the middle of the plate, as a result of which it becomes, as it were, bifurcated. The skin near the nail ridges also suffers, small areas of irritation, peeling, minor erosion and ulcers appear on it. This form of pathology occurs mainly due to psychological problems, therefore, to eliminate the disease, it is necessary to take sedatives, psychological conversations, in severe cases, tranquilizers are prescribed to the patient.
Bo's furrow It is considered the most common type of pathology. A transverse groove appears on the surface of the nail, while the edge of the plate rises slightly compared to the rest of its surface. At the same time, the growth of the nail is preserved. The causes of the pathology are considered to be nail trauma, the presence of inflammatory and infectious diseases. Therapy for the disease can be different, depending on the cause that provoked it.
Gapalonychia The disease manifests itself in the form of softening of the nail plate, when it becomes more fragile, brittle, begins to exfoliate. The development of the disease is most often caused by diseases of the internal organs, unbalanced nutrition. Before starting treatment, it is necessary to eliminate the unfavorable factor, otherwise the therapy will be ineffective.
Thimble The nail plate loses its smoothness, small depressions - dots appear on its surface, as a result of which it becomes like a thimble. This problem is a consequence of the severe course of seborrhea or alopecia.
Onychorexis The nail is covered with longitudinal grooves, which become more pronounced over time. With a severe course of the disease, the furrows turn into cracks. The nail plate delaminates, becomes thin and brittle. Skin diseases, pathologies of internal organs and the endocrine system can provoke the development of pathology.
Color change It can often be seen that white areas are formed on the surface of the nail, which can be both small and very significant, occupying almost the entire surface of the nail plate. The reasons for this problem may also vary. Often, improper or insufficient nutrition can provoke the appearance of a spot, but pathology in some cases indicates the presence of more serious problems, such as diseases of internal organs, tumor neoplasms.

Treatment methods

“Dystrophy of the nail plate is manifested to one degree or another in 4-5% of the population, however, not all those faced with the problem think about starting treatment. Nevertheless, it is necessary, because over time, the disease only progresses, which can lead to loss of the nail, and other serious problems. "

Regardless of the type of pathology, it needs adequate and timely therapy, which can only be prescribed by a doctor after a detailed examination of the patient and identifying the cause that provoked the onset of the disease.

It is good if the treatment of dystrophy of the nail plate is complex, that is medications prescribed by a doctor can be combined with prescriptions traditional medicine, of course, only with the approval of a specialist.

Carefully! Unauthorized use of seemingly harmless “grandmother's recipes” can lead to the opposite result and aggravate the situation.

Drug treatment

To eliminate the disease, depending on the cause of its occurrence, use medications different groups:

  1. Herbal sedatives(Valerian, Motherwort), is prescribed if the cause of the development of the disease is frequent stress and emotional overwork;
  2. With increased anxiety, which provokes profuse sweating (this serves common reason occurrence of an illness), prescribe drugs that normalize the work of the sympathetic nervous system. The action of the drug is aimed at narrowing the perspiration channels, and, as a result, normalizing the process of sweating;
  3. Drugs that strengthen the walls of blood vessels (Detralex). As a result of the use of these funds, the microcirculation of blood in the nail area is restored, which means that metabolic processes are normalized, the cells of the nail plate receive a greater amount of nutrients, and are gradually strengthened;
  4. Vitamin and mineral preparations to eliminate the lack of vital elements in the body.

Folk recipes

There are many folk remedies to improve the condition of the nail plate.

Therapeuticbathchecks

  1. 1 tbsp edible gelatin is diluted in a glass of water at room temperature and the fingers are placed in the solution for 15-20 minutes. The procedure must be repeated once every 2 days. Course duration - 2 weeks;
  2. 1 tbsp apple cider or grape vinegar is mixed with 2 tbsp. olive oil... The fingers are dipped into the resulting mixture for 20 minutes. The procedure is carried out once every 7 days;
  3. Dissolve 2 tbsp in hot water. sea ​​salt. When the water temperature becomes comfortable, fingers are immersed in it for 20 minutes. It is recommended to carry out the procedure once every 2 days.

Nourishing masks

  1. In 1 tsp. add 4-5 drops of iodine to olive oil. The tool is used to rub the nails once a day, preferably at night;
  2. Cranberry juice is mixed with currant juice (any), nails are treated with the agent 2-3 times a day.

Wax thimble

As soon as it cools down a little, nails are immersed in the melted wax. When the product hardens on them, put on gloves from natural fabric... Leave it overnight. Important! In the morning after removing the wax, apply a greasy cream to your hands and nails.

Dystrophy of nails on the hands of a child

Changing the shape and density of the nail plate is a problem that occurs not only in adults, but also in the younger generation. Such negative factors as:

  1. Decreased immunity;
  2. Injury to the nail plate (children often bite their nails, which leads to their damage);
  3. Unbalanced diet low in nutrients;
  4. Lack of hygiene (dirt under the nails, rare circumcision);
  5. Infectious diseases;
  6. Pathology of internal organs and systems;
  7. Skin diseases;
  8. Congenital malformations.

Prevention measures

It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the nails. As a preventive measure, you need to pay attention to the following rules:

  1. Observe personal hygiene, wash hands more often, clean nails;
  2. It is recommended to choose carefully nail salons, since a poorly performed manicure procedure can cause injury to the nail plate;
  3. It is important to monitor your diet, include foods rich in vitamins and minerals in your diet;
  4. Do regularly nourishing masks for nails. They can be purchased at the pharmacy, or you can prepare them yourself;
  5. In the cold season, it is not recommended to go outside without gloves, since the low temperature negatively affects the microcirculation process.

Dystrophy of the nail is not only a cosmetic defect that causes a lot of aesthetic inconvenience. This is a serious disease that needs timely and proper treatment. Before prescribing therapeutic procedures, the doctor will identify the cause of the onset of the disease. This is important, because if this negative factor is not eliminated, the effect of the treatment will be minimal.

- changes in the structure, shape, color of nails due to abnormally occurring trophic processes, congenital or acquired. Visually, the pathology is manifested by clouding, thinning of the nail plates, signs of transverse or longitudinal stratification, roughness, peeling, the appearance of grooves and pinpoint depressions, partial or complete destruction of the nail. Onychodystrophy is diagnosed on the basis of the clinical picture, microscopy of scrapings from the lesion. For early detection of pathology, a study of blood serum for the activity of alkaline phosphatase is used. Long-term treatment, the basis is vitamin and mineral complexes, massage, physiotherapy.

General information

Onychodystrophy is a set of pathological changes in the nails caused by violations of the trophism of the nail apparatus. The disease has no age, seasonal, gender, racial characteristics, and is non-endemic. Onychodystrophy can be a symptom of somatic pathology or be diagnosed as an independent pathological process. A big problem in the diagnosis of onychodystrophy is its similarity with the manifestations of onychomycosis. The ambiguity of diagnosis leads to problems in treatment. Due to the presence of additional biological inclusions (opportunistic microbes, contaminating fungi) in the scrapings from the lesion focus, cases of diagnostic errors, incorrect prescription of antimycotic agents have become more frequent, which leads to the development of complications and disrupts the quality of life of patients. The urgency of the problem is dictated by the fact that onychodystrophies can be the first manifestations of serious systemic pathology.

Causes of onychodystrophy

The nail is a stratum corneum, the chemical composition of which is individual and genetically programmed, which determines different manifestations of onychodystrophy that occur under the same conditions. Reproduction of horny cells, innervation, blood supply is provided by the epidermal matrix of the nail bed, on which the nail is located. The essence of the pathological manifestations of onychodystrophy is associated with the quality of adhesion of the nail plate and the nail bed.

Triggers of onychodystrophy can be congenital anomalies, dermatoses, diseases of internal organs, intoxication, vitamin deficiency, lack of minerals in the body, trauma of various origins, stress, tumors. The pathology is based on an imbalance of self-regulating cellular metabolism, which, in combination with extracellular disorders of trophism, leads to onychodystrophy through several stages of structural changes in tissues. The severity of trophic changes at each stage determines the clinic of the disease.

The stage of infiltration is characterized by the accumulation of metabolic products from the blood and lymph in the cell or intercellular substance, deformation of the nail plate. Decomposition leads to the disintegration of cell ultrastructures and intercellular substance, changes in metabolic processes in the horny tissue, and nail stratification. Pathological protein synthesis disrupts the keratinization process, deforming the nail. The transformation stage leads to the inversion of substances necessary for the normal growth and development of the nail: instead of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, one thing is synthesized, the connection between the nail and the nail bed is lost, and its color changes. This is how nail dystrophy arises and develops.

Classification of onychodystrophy

There is no comprehensive generally accepted classification in modern dermatology. In our opinion, the most convenient is the division of onychodystrophies by reasons of their occurrence with an emphasis on the specifics clinical manifestations... Distinguish between congenital onychodystrophies, as a result of gene mutations and the transmission of hereditary predisposition, and acquired onychodystrophies - a heterogeneous result of trophic disorders. Congenital onychodystrophies are clinically manifested by the following types:

1. Onychomadesis - manifests itself in the form of a quick separation of the nail from the bed from the distal edge, most often as a result of injury or inflammation; a genetic predisposition to pathology is inherited.

Treatment of onychodystrophy

The therapy is carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist. If possible, exclude the cause that caused onychodystrophy, carry out etiotropic therapy. Complex treatment. Priority is given to minerals, vitamins, amino acids, which are essential elements for recovery chemical composition nail. They use drugs that improve microcirculation in tissues, angioprotectors, immunostimulating, fortifying agents; drugs that improve emotional sphere the patient. In severe cases, corticosteroids, retinoids, quinolines, cytostatics are prescribed.

Warm herbal baths are applied locally, with sea salt, essential oils, nourishing and moisturizing creams. Paraffin applications with natural wax, ozokerite, mud are effective. Ionophoresis with vitamins, UFO, PUVA therapy, diathermy, acupuncture, massage have proven themselves well. Apply keratolytic patches as directed by a doctor.

In order to prevent onychodystrophy, it is necessary to eat right (the predominance of fruit and vegetable, protein diets, products containing gelatin), to exclude contacts with household chemicals, nail varnishes. Shown Spa treatment... The prognosis is relatively favorable, taking into account the aesthetic component of the process, which violates the patient's quality of life.

Beautiful hands should not only have smooth and silky skin, but also neat nails the correct shape. Unfortunately, every fifth inhabitant of the planet has problems with nails. A common disease is dystrophy of the nail plate, which occurs both on the hands and on the legs of a person. As a result of this disease, the structure, shape and even color of the nail changes.

Causes of the disease

The reasons for the development of dystrophy may be different, but the most important is poor nail care and improper nutrition of cell tissues. Depletion of the nail plate from a lack of vitamins can be observed not only in adults, but also in children. Poor nail nutrition can be caused by:

  • mechanical injury to the nail plate;
  • fungus on the nail;
  • mental disorder;
  • negative impact of chemicals;
  • weak immunity;
  • improper nutrition;
  • congenital pathology;
  • chronic diseases;
  • skin diseases.

These factors weaken the nails, make them brittle and ugly.

One of the most common causes of pathology on thumb is a fungus. They can be infected in places where people walk without shoes, for example, a swimming pool, sauna. That is why in such establishments it is best to use the beach or any other comfortable shoes, and at the first symptoms of pathology, immediately go to the hospital.

Types of dystrophy

The pathology under consideration is divided into several types, which differ in signs and causes of occurrence. All of them are shown in the table.

Gapalonychia The nail weakens and becomes brittle, which is why it is permanently damaged. It softens and looses over time.
Onycholysis The nail plate moves away from the bed, air gets inside, contributing to the rapid development of pathology. The cause of this disease is some kind of injury or fungus.
Onychorexis The nails on the fingers become soft and thin, pressing the plate is accompanied by painful sensations. As a result, they crack, chips appear along the edges. Such a dystrophic deviation appears due to the constant influence of chemicals.
Onychoshisis The nail grows intact, but soon cracks and delaminates along the edge. Don't feel like cutting off the edge will get rid of the problem. When the nail grows back, it will appear again.
Bo furrows As soon as the nail begins to grow, transverse furrows, 1 mm deep, in shade they are the same as nails.
Median canal dystrophy of nails Furrows are formed over the entire area of ​​the plate.
Trachnonchinia This dystrophy of toenails is characterized by the fact that the surface of the nail does not shine and becomes rough. Sometimes a dystrophic nail can delaminate, and many depressions form on it. This disease is observed in those who have had eczema.

Treatment methods

How does nail plate dystrophy manifest and how to treat it? Despite the fact that each form has its own characteristics, there are several signs that can be used to predict the development of the disease. First of all, the patient should pay attention to the slow growth of the plate. Also, the nail becomes brittle and soft. Pathology manifests itself in the form of deep grooves. Appearance healthy nail finger behind short period time changes dramatically and becomes completely unattractive.

Treatment must also be performed under the supervision of a specialist. In no case do not delay the visit to the doctor, especially if the problem is found in the child. Better get by simple methods, appointed by a specialist, than then resort to surgical intervention.

There is no universal therapy that would help get rid of this disease. Dystrophy of the nail, the treatment of which consists in determining and eliminating the cause of the occurrence, is a common phenomenon. Today many patients suffer from it. With this disease, the doctor prescribes all kinds of vitamins, ointments and creams. It is also imperative to do strengthening baths for the hands and feet, which contribute to the healing of the nail plates.

Also, with drug treatment, the doctor prescribes sedatives that block the nervous system. They have a positive effect on the condition of the feet, prevent sweating, and the skin around the nails does not become inflamed. This treatment is carried out strictly under the supervision of a specialist, since many drugs have a number of contraindications.

People who do not know how to treat nail dystrophy turn to traditional medicine. It is she who will help to forget about pathology. Of course, you can remove the nail surgically, but this is the last resort and is the last resort. However, before starting treatment with traditional medicine, you need to consult with a specialist.

ethnoscience

An excellent method to forget about this ailment is ordinary iodine. Several times a day, the nail plate must be thoroughly wiped with a 5% iodine solution. It is necessary to do such procedures for 7-10 days, then take a short break, and then repeat the course.

Another product that provides excellent results is propolis. For two to three nights, you need to smear a 20% propolis tincture on your nails. Please note that you must be as careful as possible with propolis. If it gets on the skin near the nail, you will get burned.

Sea salt has a positive effect on dystrophic nails. Dilute one spoonful of salt in 200 ml of water. In this bath, you need to keep your fingers with a weak nail plate for 15–20 minutes. After the lapse of time, the nails must be thoroughly wiped and wax applied to the surface.

All these tools will allow you to forget about such pathology as dystrophy of the nail plate on the hands and feet. For recovery to come as soon as possible, it is advised to take motherwort or valerian. It is true that the selected complex therapy restores tissue nutrition.

A good effect of treatment can be achieved only if you consult a specialist on time. It is best to get rid of this disease while it is at the first stage. Often people make a big mistake: upon discovering the first symptoms of the disease, they try to hide it under a thick layer of varnish. Because of this, the nail cannot breathe, therefore, it does not have nutrition.

Another mistake that people with dystrophy of the nail plate often make is the use of remedies for the fungus in large quantities. Such drugs give a good result only in the presence of mycosis. Otherwise, they will only worsen the situation.

Compliance with all preventive measures, as well as timely referral to a specialist - will avoid serious and unpleasant consequences. Well-groomed and beautiful hands must be a must for every person who looks after himself and wants to make a good impression on others.

Prevention methods

Any disease is easier to prevent than to cure later. In order to prevent changes in the shape and structure of the nail plate, namely its dystrophy, proper care is necessary. Experts recommend:

  • monitor your diet, there should be enough vitamins in the diet;
  • make firming baths and masks for nails;
  • avoid contact of nails with household chemicals (all work is best done with rubber gloves).

Do not paint your nails with cheap varnishes and do not use products that contain acetone. During a manicure, make sure that your nails are not injured. This procedure you should trust only professionals with extensive experience. Be careful when choosing a beauty salon: employees must have a medical education.

If you find the first symptoms of nail plate dystrophy, immediately contact a specialist. In winter, nails need even more thorough care. At this time, it is recommended to consume complexes of vitamins and minerals.