The Diseases of Nails
Nails are the neglected part of our body because most of the humans has tendency to neglect the nail s or related hygiene. If proper care is not taken then they may contract may diseases. The diseases of nails are called as Onychosis.

Some common diseases of nails are

• Paronychia - It is the most commonly seen disease of nails. Paronychia is the inflammation and infection of nails and the surrounding nail tissues (nail folds). It is commonly seen in people who has habit of nail biting or who trims the nail deeply as in manicure or pedicure. The bacteria or fungus enter when there is any trauma to the nail fold.
  
  Symptoms - It starts as red, painful, swelling around the nails and nail folds. Skin feels warm on touch. Later the pus formation starts. This can become chronic with recurrent infections. Sometimes the area looks green in colour which indicates the presence of bacteria called Pseudomonas which is commonly seen in chronic infection.
  Treatment - Antibiotics or anti fungal treatment is advised with warm application to promote the drainage of pus. If the pus is formed it can be drained by incising the area which helps to relieve the pain.
  Sometimes it is necessary to remove the nail surgically.
• Tinea Ungis - It is also called as ringworm of nails. It is a fungal infection of nails. It is caused by the fungus called Trichophyton and commonly affect the toe nails than the fingers.
  
  Causes - 1) Working constantly in contact with water especially seen in women. Wet areas allow fungus to grow.
  2) Wearing tight and sweaty shoes frequently seen in athletes.
  3) Commonly seen in people who has diabetis , HIV, cancer or other immunosuppressed diseases.
  Symptoms - Discoloration and deformity of nails of toe . Nails become thickened and flaky and finally results in loss of nail or nail plate. Usually it is painless. sometimes itching is present.
  Treatment - 1) Avoid contact with water. Also dry the part immediately if your in contact with water for longer time.
  2) Anti-fungal treatment is indicated.
• Leuconychia - It is a white line or spot in the nail plate. It is due to trauma to nail and air bubbles got trapped in the layers of nail. It may be genetic or associated with some diseases like tuberculosis, psoriasis, zinc deficiency or arsenic poisioning.
  
  It doesn't show any symptoms and treatment is not required if it is due to genetic cause. But treatment is necessary if underlying disease is present.
• Psoriasis of Nails - Psoriasis is commonly seen condition of skin. Psoriasis commonly affect the face, scalp, arms, legs, neck. Nails are less commonly affected.
  
  Causes of psoriasis can be genetic or immunological.
  Symptoms - 1) Yellowish discoloration of nails with small spot on the nails.
  2) Area of white lines and thickening of the nail plate which is the reaction of nail cells to the disease.
  3) Pitting in the nail is seen due lack of nail growth.
  4) Psoriatic arthritis is seen in the nails where nails get deformed and stiffed along with the finger joints.
  Treatment - 1) Psoriasis does not have a complete cure.
  2) Avoid trauma to nails and maintain nail hygiene to avoid the flare up of the disease.
  3) Approach of homeopathic is very good and effective in the cases like psoriasis.
• Koilonychia - It is caused due to deficiency of iron, thyroid dysfunction, or extreme usage of soaps. The nails are in spoon shaped. Nails become thin and shows the raised ridges.
  
  Treatment - 1)Intake of Iron in the form of tablets are recommended.
  2) Depending on the underlying cause treatment is given.

It is necessary to maintain the proper health of our nails. Proper hygiene, nutritious food and regular nail care promote the healthy nails.