Nail Disorder Health Video

Video Transcript

JONATHON UY, M.D.: Hello, my name is Dr. Jonathon Uy and I'm going to talk about nail disorders. Nail disorders are any abnormal changes of the nail. These are caused by various systemic diseases or other problems such trauma. The most common nail disorders are fungal nails or onychomycosis, ingrown toenails or dystrophic nails due to nutritional or systemic diseases. Nail disorders usually appear as discoloration of the nail, thickening of the nail, or even deformity of the nail. They can appear like ram's horns or even have debris or crumbs underneath the nail. The treatment of nail disorders varies depending on the cause of the nail problem. For example, fungal nails can be treated using antifungal medications. Another example is ingrown toenails which may require surgical removal of the toenails. So as you can see, there are wide varieties of treatment processes depending on the deformity or the changes of the nails. Typically, they are difficult to cure depending on the severity of the nail deformity. Nail disorders maybe due to nutritional problems or systemic disease processes such as poor circulation, diabetes or even skin disorders such as psoriasis. All of which can cause discoloration or irregularities of the nails. Prevention of the nail disorders are basically good hygiene, good nutritional intake, as well as overall health. So by keeping a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent from nail disorders. If any of the symptoms such ingrown or painful nails, yellow discoloration, dark discoloration or any irregularities of the nail, it is best to seek professional help as soon as possible because most nail disorders are very difficult to treat.