Nail disease

Nail disease or disorder
Onychia without granuloma
Classification and external resources
Specialty dermatology
ICD-10 L60, Q84.3-Q84.6
ICD-9-CM 703, 757.5
DiseasesDB 23092
MedlinePlus 003247
eMedicine orthoped/421
MeSH D009260

A nail disease or onychosis is a disease or deformity of the nail. Although the nail is a structure produced by the skin and is a skin appendage, nail diseases have a distinct classification as they have their own signs and symptoms which may relate to other medical conditions. Some nail conditions that show signs of infection or inflammation may require medical assistance.

Diseases

Anatomy of the basic parts of a human nail. A. Nail plate; B. lunula; C. root; D. sinus; E. matrix; F. nail bed; G. eponychium; H. free margin.
Onychomycosis in every nail of the right foot.
Subungual hematoma (mild)

Nail changes and conditions associated with them

Nail inspection can give hints to the internal condition of the body as well. Nail disease can be very subtle and should be evaluated by a dermatologist with a focus in this particular area of medicine. A nail technician may be the first to note a subtle change in nail health.[2][3][4]

Pliability

Shape and texture

Discoloration of entire nail bed

Other color changes and markings

Treatment

In approximately half of suspected nail fungus cases there is actually no fungal infection, but only some nail dystrophy.[6] Before beginning oral antifungal therapy the health care provider should confirm a fungal infection.[6] Administration of treatment to persons without an infection is unnecessary health care and causes needless exposure to side effects.[6]

See also

References

  1. Hall, John C. (2006). "25. Dermatologic mycology.". In John C. Hall. Sauer's Manual of Skin Diseases (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 244=266. ISBN 0-7817-2947-5.
  2. Common nail tumors. Baran R, Richert B. Dermatol Clin. 2006 Jul;24(3):297-311. Review.
  3. Dealing with melanonychia. Tosti A, Piraccini BM, de Farias DC. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009 Mar;28(1):49-54. Review.
  4. The nail in systemic diseases. Tosti A, Iorizzo M, Piraccini BM, Starace M. Dermatol Clin. 2006 Jul;24(3):341-7. Review.
  5. Baylor All Saints Medical Centers: Thyroid Disease
  6. 1 2 3 American Academy of Dermatology (February 2013), "Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question", Choosing Wisely: an initiative of the ABIM Foundation, American Academy of Dermatology, retrieved 5 December 2013, which cites
    • Roberts, D. T.; Taylor, W. D.; Boyle, J.; British Association of Dermatologists (2003). "Guidelines for treatment of onychomycosis". The British journal of dermatology. 148 (3): 402–410. PMID 12653730. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05242.x.
    • Mehregan, D. R.; Gee, S. L. (1999). "The cost effectiveness of testing for onychomycosis versus empiric treatment of onychodystrophies with oral antifungal agents". Cutis. 64 (6): 407–410. PMID 10626104.
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