Common Nail Bed Disorders And How To Treat Them
Are you experiencing discomfort, pain, or swelling around your nails? If you do, it may be a sign of a nail bed infection or injury. Nail bed disorders can arise from various causes, ranging from trauma to poor nail hygiene. They can be painful and unpleasant to look at. If left untreated, the pain can make daily activities like walking and running challenging.
As an orthopaedic specialist in Singapore, we notice that people tend to ignore nail bed infections and injuries, letting them become worse and increasing the risk of complications.
This article will delve into the common types of nail bed disorders, their symptoms and treatment options. Before we get into the details, let’s learn about the function of a nail bed.
The Function Of A Nail Bed
The nail bed is a barrier, protecting underlying tissues from trauma, infection, and moisture. Blood vessels in the nail bed provide nutrients and oxygen for healthy nail growth.
The nail bed is a delicate and sensitive area that is susceptible to various disorders and infections due to its exposure and role as a protective barrier.
Common Nail Bed Disorders
Nail Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes rapid skin cell reproduction, which leads to a rash. Normally, new skin cells grow and move to the skin surface every 28 to 30 days, but this process occurs every three to four days in people with psoriasis.
The symptoms of this condition may include changes in nail bed colour from pink to yellow or brown, pitting or dents on the nails in varying sizes, and changes in nail structure, like the development of horizontal grooves across the nails (Beau’s lines).
Treatment
Treatment options for nail psoriasis may include corticosteroids, which can be prescribed as creams, ointments, or nail polish. In more severe cases, injections of medicines like etanercept, adalimumab, or ustekinumab may be delivered with a thin needle directly into the skin around the nails. Oral medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, or apremilast may also be prescribed.
Phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet light, can be another treatment option. PUVA (psoralen combined with ultraviolet A) or UVB (ultraviolet B) is commonly used in phototherapy. Laser therapy with pulsed dye lasers (PDL) may also target blood vessels under the nails and reduce the severity of nail psoriasis.
Brittle-splitting Nails
Brittle-splitting nails, also known as onychoschizia, is a condition characterised by nails that are brittle, soft, splitting, or thin. As the name implies, the symptom of this condition is a nail that breaks easily. This can be due to several reasons, such as prolonged exposure to hot water, an iron deficiency, or an underlying medical condition, such as low thyroid levels.
Treatment
Regular use of moisturisers can improve nail flexibility and prevent further splitting. You should also avoid prolonged exposure of your hands to hot water and use gloves when performing household chores.
Paronychia
Paronychia is a skin infection that occurs when bacteria, fungi, or viruses enter your skin around the nails through a break in your skin barrier, such as a hangnail or cuticle tear. Common symptoms of paronychia include redness, swelling, pain, tenderness around the nails, and the formation of pus-filled blisters or abscesses.
Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing paronychia include nail biting, finger sucking, and certain medical conditions that weaken your immune system.
Treatment
Treatment for paronychia typically involves applying warm compresses on the affected area and applying topical or oral antibiotics medications. In some cases, your doctor may have to make a small incision and drain pus from the affected area.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is characterised by the painless separation of your toe or fingernail from the nail bed. It usually occurs gradually for several reasons, including a nail bed injury, psoriasis, or fungal infections.
Symptoms of onycholysis typically include the visible separation of your nail from the nail bed, which may result in discolouration of your nail. Your nail may turn green, yellow, or opaque.
Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe oral medications to treat the underlying psoriasis antifungal medication to treat the underlying fungal infection.
Ingrown Toenail
Ingrown toenails in Singapore, also known as onychocryptosis, occur when the edge of your toenail or fingernail grows into your surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and potential infection. Genetics, improper nail trimming, wearing tight socks or shoes and injury to your nail bed can cause this condition.
Treatment
Ingrown toenail treatment in Singapore include surgical removal You can also soak your feet in warm water multiple times daily and wear comfortable shoes.
Looking For Nail Bed Injury And Ingrown Toenail Treatment In Singapore?
Nail bed disorders are common and can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. However, most of these disorders can be effectively treated with a prompt visit to your doctor.
If you’re experiencing nail bed disorders or have concerns about your nail health, don’t hesitate to contact Spire Orthopaedic. Our team of doctors is ready to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, while accounting for all your medical needs. Contact us today!