Dystrophy of the nail plate: causes, types, treatment

Unfortunately, some of us have had to deal with such a problem as dystrophy of the nail plate. The essence of this disease lies in the violation of cellular nutrition of tissues. After reading the article, you will receive basic information about the causes and methods of treatment of this pathology.

The main causes of the development of the disease

Just note that this problem can affect any person. However, most often it is manifested in the inhabitants of megacities. And it can occur not only in adults, but also in children. The most common reasons for developing dystrophy of the nail plate include an unfavorable ecological background, expressed in poor quality of drinking water and excessive gas contamination of the air. It can also appear as a result of vitamin deficiency caused by malnutrition.

In addition, the factors that provoke the emergence of this pathology include psoriasis, eczema, fungal diseases, disruptions in the endocrine system, impaired blood circulation, weakened immunity, injuries on the fingers of the lower and upper extremities.

Types of disease

The disease can manifest itself in various forms, each of which has its own characteristic symptoms and methods of elimination. To determine to which type a particular case belongs, only a qualified specialist can. Therefore, if you suspect yourself or your relatives of this pathology, you need to make an appointment with a doctor.

The most common diseases of the nail plate is onyorexis. Treatment of this pathological process will take time. This form can be recognized by the appearance of a longitudinal crack. The nail, afflicted with this ailment, becomes brittle and begins to separate. To the main causes of development of onyorexis can be classified as avitaminosis, varicose, lichen, eczema, fungus and cholelithiasis.

The real problem for people of different ages are the so-called wavy nails. This problem often arises from the defeat of the nail fungal infections. Sources of infection are often public places and beauty salons. In this case, the disease is accompanied by yellowing and lamination of the plate, as well as inflammation or scaling of the cuticle around it. In addition, wavy nails can be the result of a lack of vitamins.

No less often there is onycholysis. For this form of dystrophy is characterized by a violation of the interaction between the tissues of the nail and finger. As a result, the plate acquires a brown, yellow or blue tint and begins to tear away.

Main symptoms

Despite the fact that each form manifests itself in different ways, there are still several common signs that are peculiar to this disease. Externally, the dystrophy of the nail plate is recognized for a number of specific symptoms. First of all, growth retardation, curvature, fragility and softening are observed. In addition, the pathology manifests itself in the form of deep furrows, appearing on the surface of a previously healthy plate, and its detachment from the substrate.

Nail dystrophy: treatment

To date, there is no universal therapy to eradicate this problem. Treatment is reduced to identifying and eliminating the causes that provoked its occurrence. The doctor can recommend various vitamins, creams or ointments.

In addition, the patient is additionally prescribed herbal baths for the hands and feet, which help to strengthen the nails. In other words, the patient is prescribed complex therapy, which includes treatment of the underlying cause, and local measures aimed at restoring the plate.

What does traditional medicine recommend?

You have already realized that surgical removal of the nail is not the only possible way to eliminate this pathology. In some cases recipes of alternative medicine are very effective. But before using them, consult a specialist.

A good tool for quickly eliminating symptoms is normal iodine. Its five percent solution should be used for daily treatment of the affected nails. It is advisable to conduct a similar procedure in the morning and in the evening for two weeks.

Also, the degeneration of the nail plate is well treated with propolis. Compresses with its twenty percent tincture are applied to the affected areas and left overnight. It is important that the solution does not get on the skin. Otherwise, it may result in burns. Compress of propolis can be applied no more than three times.

Positive result is the bath for the nails. They can be prepared on the basis of sea salt. To do this, one tablespoon of the substance is mixed with a glass of warm water. After the crystals of salt completely dissolve, the resulting product is poured into a convenient container and lowered into her hands or feet. The duration of the procedure should not exceed a quarter of an hour. After fifteen minutes, dry with a towel and wipe the skin with natural wax.

All of the above remedies can be used by those with a history of nail dystrophy on the legs or hands. For a speedy recovery is often recommended to take such homeopathic medicines as motherwort or valerian. Correctly selected complex therapy contributes to the restoration of tissue nutrition.

Preventive measures

It's no secret that it's much easier to prevent the onset of the disease than to treat it later. To avoid the appearance of dystrophy, you need to regularly monitor the condition of the nails and pay due attention to the care of hands and feet. If the first symptoms of the pathology are found, the dermatologist must be immediately enrolled.

So that later you do not have to remove the nail or undergo a long course of treatment, you must carefully choose a beauty salon. See that your cosmetologist has a medical education. And be sure to pay attention to how the master of the manicure monitors the cleanliness of his workplace.

Special care requires nails in the winter. At this time, it is desirable to take vitamin-mineral complexes. If possible, protect your hands from injuries, and make all household work in special gloves.

What can self-medication result in?

The key to successful treatment of nail dystrophy is the timely access for help to specialists. This is due to the fact that this pathology is easier to eliminate at the initial stage of development. Self-medication can greatly aggravate an already difficult situation.

Most often, people who noticed the first signs of illness, do not rush to see a doctor, but try to mask the unaesthetic plate with varnish. As a result, the nail stops breathing, and this leads to a malnutrition. The second common mistake that most patients allow is the uncontrolled use of antifungal drugs. Such remedies are effective only in the case of mycosis.

Conclusion

If, despite all the preventive measures taken, you noticed symptoms of nail dystrophy, you need to start treating it as soon as possible. Therapeutic complex is appointed taking into account the degree of development of pathology. Only the acquired forms of the disease are treated. It is important to determine exactly what became the root cause of onychodystrophy.