Thickening, pitting, cavities and holes in the nails do not always indicate a fungal nail infection, as is thought. It should not be thought of as “it is a nail, after all, it grows and goes away” because thickening, lines and spots on the nails can be a symptom and warning of some health problems.
In this article, I will talk about "nail diseases". Changes in the shape of the nail and stains on the nail can occur due to many diseases. Just like our hair, our nails also carry important clues that indicate our general health. are some of the problems that are common and encountered by almost all of us.
What are the diseases that cause nail discoloration?
Green color on the nail; A black color may indicate an underlying skin cancer, while a black color may indicate a bacterial infection. Nails of blue-violet color; it may indicate a low level of oxygen in the blood; Brown appearance on the nails may be a sign of “psoriasis”.
What are the Causes of Nail Deformities and Thickening of the Nail?
Nail Infections: These are infections that only involve the nail. For example; Fungal infections, herpes, bacterial infections are just a few of the reasons that can change the shape or color of the nail.
Infections in the body: General infections of the body such as hand-foot-mouth disease, measles or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency virus) infection may involve the nails; It can cause shape-discoloration and thickening of the nails.
Skin diseases: Some skin diseases can cause nail involvement. A rash on your skin that you do not care about or associate at all may have changed the smooth appearance of your nails. The best example of this is “psoriasis”. However, apart from “psoriasis”, there are not many � Many skin diseases can only cause thickening of the nails by holding our nails.
Eczema: Various eczemas can cause eczema on the hands and nails, thus thickening the nails.
Cancers: Some skin or internal organ cancers may show symptoms by discoloring or deforming the nails.
Internal organ diseases: Especially thyroid diseases, endocrine, liver, lung and intestinal diseases may be associated with deformities, thickening and color changes in nails.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Causes such as iron deficiency-anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause deformities in the nails.
Repetitive traumas: In addition to all these reasons, longitudinal/vertical lines on nails can be seen in healthy people, depending on age or traumatic procedures such as manicure-pedicure.
In short; As seen above, not every nail deformity, thickening, color change or lines means nail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, creams or nail files that you will use unnecessarily with the advice of neighbors, relatives or friends may not solve your current problem. For this reason, when you have skin, nail and hair complaints, you should definitely visit your specialist. If your doctor deems it necessary, he will ask you for blood, microbiology and imaging tests and will recommend the appropriate treatment for you.
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