DISEASES OF THE NAIL

1. Onychomycosis

It is an infectious disease caused by a vegetable parasite. The onset of the disease takes about two to
threemonths and the attack is rarely on more than one or two nails.

2. Onychia

Is a term applicable to chronic inflammation of the nail fold and nail bed (matrix). It results from the
introduction of microscopic pathogen through small wounds.

3. Onychocryptosis

It is referred to ingrown nails which affect the fingers and toenails. It is marked by nail growth into
surrounding tissues and may cause infection. Incorrect trimming a shaping of nails are often responsible
for ingrown nails.

4. Onychoptosis

It is the periodic shedding of one or more nails, either in the whole or in part. This condition maybe a
symptom of a more alarm disease such as syphilis or can result from fever, trauma systematic upset or
adverse reaction to drugs.

5. Onycholysis

It refers to the detachment of the nail from the nail bed, starting at its distal and/or lateral
attachment. The most common cause of onycholysis is psoriasis .

6. Onychogryphosis
or claw nails

It pertains to extreme thickening curvature of the nails, usually it is caused by varying degree of
hyperkeratosis (skin disease in which the skin gets thicker) on the distal portion of the nail bed that
detaches and lifts the plate off the bed