Discoloration, thickening, breakage, or deformities in the nails can occur for various reasons. Nail diseases refer to changes that may develop in association with fungal infections, trauma, skin diseases, or certain systemic conditions. Therefore, knowing the causes of different changes observed in the nails can help increase awareness about possible conditions.
What Is Nail Disease?
Nail diseases are infection-, trauma- or systemic-related changes that affect the color, shape, or structure of the nail.
The nail is a hard structure composed largely of keratin and grows over a specialized area of the skin called the nail bed. A healthy nail is known for its pink color, smooth surface, and consistent growth rate.
Marked changes in any of these features may be a sign of various nail problems. While some nail changes are purely cosmetic, others are associated with systemic diseases. Therefore, a healthcare professional should be consulted in cases of persistent or significant nail changes.
What Are the Types of Nail Diseases?
Changes seen in nails may not progress in the same way. Some nail diseases develop in association with infections, while others may be related to trauma, skin diseases, daily habits, or systemic causes. Changes in the color, structure, or shape of the nail can manifest with different characteristics.
Fungal Nail Diseases
The most common type among nail diseases is fungal infection known as onychomycosis. Fungal nail diseases may present with yellowing, thickening, and structural changes in the nails. They generally affect toenails but can also be seen on fingernails.
Ingrown Nail
An ingrown nail may develop when the nail grows into the surrounding skin tissue. In this condition, which can affect daily life, pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling may be seen around the nail.
Nail Breakage and Splitting
Frequent nail breakage or splitting into layers may occur in relation to certain external factors. Constant exposure to water, intensive contact with chemicals, trauma, or certain nutritional factors may affect nail structure.
Shape and Color Changes in Nails
Some people may experience changes in the nail structure such as white lines, yellowing, bruising, pitting on the surface, thickening, or a wavy appearance. While these differences may sometimes occur due to temporary causes, in some cases they may also be associated with various health conditions.
What Are the Common Nail Diseases?
Nail diseases can be evaluated in different groups according to their origin and causes. Some conditions may be related to infections, while others may result from trauma, skin diseases, or systemic causes. Since similar symptoms can be seen in different conditions, it is not sufficient to make an assessment based on appearance alone.
Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
It can be recognized by yellowing, thickening, and a brittle appearance of the nail. It may be associated with moist environments, shared use of common areas, or prolonged use of closed-toe shoes.
Ingrown Nail
It may occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding tissue. Incorrect nail trimming and wearing tight shoes are among the common causes.
Spoon Nail (Koilonychia)
This is a condition in which the surface of the nail becomes depressed inward, taking on a spoon-like appearance. In some cases, it may be associated with nutritional or different systemic causes.
Nail Separation (Onycholysis)
This is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. It may develop in relation to trauma, infections, or various external factors.
Inflammation Around the Nail (Paronychia)
Redness, tenderness, and swelling may be seen around the nail. It may be associated with constant water exposure or infections.
Nail Psoriasis (Psoriatic Nail)
Small pits on the nail surface, discoloration, and thickening may be observed.
What Are the Causes of Nail Diseases?
There may not be a single cause for the development of nail diseases. Environmental factors, daily habits, and certain health conditions may play a role together.
Possible causes of nail diseases include:
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Fungal infections
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Constant exposure to a moist environment
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Nail trauma
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Frequent manicures and use of chemical products
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Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
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Certain skin diseases
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Circulatory problems
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Immune system-related conditions
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Long-term use of tight shoes
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Age-related changes
It should be kept in mind that multiple causes may play a role at the same time and that similar symptoms may be seen in diseases of different origins. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist physician for individual risk factors and complaints.
Which Doctor Should You See for Nail Diseases?
For nail diseases, you can first consult a dermatology specialist. If the problem is thought to be related to an underlying systemic disease, you may be referred to an internal medicine specialist; if there is joint involvement, to a rheumatology specialist.
In conditions requiring surgical evaluation, such as ingrown nails, you may consult general surgery or related units.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Nail problems should be taken seriously. Specialist evaluation may be required in the following situations:
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If symptoms last longer than two weeks or are progressively worsening.
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If there is suspicion of infection around the nail.
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If any nail change is observed in individuals with diabetes or immune system problems.
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If a dark-colored spot or line is noticed under the nail without a history of trauma.
How Can You Help Prevent Nail Diseases?
Regular nail care and habits that support foot health can help maintain nail structure. To support nail health, attention should be paid to certain habits in daily life:
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Trim nails regularly and keep them clean; cut them in a way that suits their natural shape.
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Wear slippers or sandals in shared wet areas such as pools, baths, and gyms.
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Do not share personal manicure and pedicure tools with others.
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Choose breathable footwear appropriate for the shape of the foot; change socks regularly.
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Thoroughly dry nails after prolonged exposure to water.
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Pay attention to having a balanced and varied diet.
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Individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes should have their nails checked regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes nail diseases?
Nail diseases can develop due to infections, trauma, skin diseases, and certain systemic causes. In addition, deficiencies of iron, zinc, and biotin may also affect nail structure.
How can you recognize fungal nail diseases?
In fungal nail diseases, yellowing, thickening, breakage, and structural deterioration of the nail can be seen. However, similar symptoms may also appear in different nail problems.
Does nail fungus go away on its own?
In some people, nail fungus can persist for a long time and symptoms may vary. However, not every discoloration or thickening of the nail is necessarily due to fungus.
Which vitamin deficiency causes nail breakage?
Nail breakage may be associated with deficiencies of iron, biotin, zinc, or B-group vitamins. However, the reason for frequently breaking nails may not be solely due to vitamin deficiencies.
Are nail diseases contagious?
Whether nail diseases are contagious depends on the type of disease. Fungal nail infections can be contagious under certain conditions. Sharing towels, manicure tools, or shoes and walking barefoot in wet and enclosed environments can increase the risk. However, nail problems of inflammatory or systemic origin, such as psoriasis, are not contagious.
