Medline Plus, an online medical encyclopedia associated with the U.S. National Library of Medicine, reports that the purpose of fingernails and toenails is to protect the sensitive tissue at the end of the fingers and toes. The American Podiatric Medical Association calls nails "barometers of health," because changes in color or rate of growth can indicate more serious underlying problems with organs such as the liver. There are also several other diseases that specifically involve injury to or infection of the nails.
Onycholysis
The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology describes onycholysis as a nail disease in which the nail separates from the nail bed, usually without pain. This can occur in response to injury, skin disease or infection. However, onycholysis is most common in women who have very long fingernails. When a woman uses her long nails to scratch or lift objects, the nail acts as a lever, which over time can lift the nail from the nail bed. In the space that forms between the nail and the nail bed, bacteria and fungi can grow and infect the nail bed. The treatment for onycholysis involves removing the entire portion of nail that is separated. If there is an underlying infection or significant damage to the nail bed, the American College of Osteopathic Dermatology advises consultation with a medical professional; otherwise, the clipping can be performed at home. The person should keep the hands or feet very dry, which is important to allow the new nail to grow back normally. As the nail grows, keep clipping back the nail that is separated (which can be done at home), until the nail grows in a manner where it is attached to the nail bed.
Ingrown Nail
An ingrown nail usually affects the big toe, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The symptoms of an ingrown nail are skin around the nail that is swollen, red, hard and painful. The injury to the skin may make the tissue susceptible to infection. If there is infection or the ingrown nail is very painful, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises consulting a doctor. To treat the ingrown nail the doctor may partially or fully remove the ingrown portion of the nail by surgery. A doctor may advise permanent removal of the nail to prevent the regrowth and infection of chronic ingrown nails. Trimming the toenail so it tapers at the sides, as many people do with their fingernails, encourages the nail to become ingrown. Other causes of ingrown toenails are ill-fitting shoes that are too short or tight.
Nail Fungus
The Mayo Clinic reports that nail fungus, the common name for the medical term onychomycosis, often begins as a yellow or white spot underneath the tip of the nail. As the fungal infection progresses, it can cause the nail to crumble at the edges, change color and thicken. Fungal infections in the nails are sometimes hard to clear, but a few medications, both topical (i.e., a cream) and systemic (i.e., a pill), are available for treatment. There are several topical creams that are available over the counter without a prescription. Stronger topical creams and pills for systemic treatment are available by prescription.
