What is nail problems and injuries?

Minor fingernail and toenail problems are common. At one time or another, almost everyone has caught a nail on something, causing it to rip. Or they have smashed a finger in a door, leaving blood under the nail. These kinds of injuries can be quite painful, but they usually aren't serious. You can often relieve pain and prevent infection of minor nail problems at home.

Normally, fingernails grow about one-tenth of a millimeter each day. Toenails grow at about one-half or one-third the rate of the fingernails. Aging and diseases that decrease blood flow to the hands and feet may slow nail growth.

Common nail changes

Common changes to nails include:

Splitting, peeling, or brittle nails.

These are common problems that develop when your hands are often exposed to water, strong soaps, and other chemicals. You may be able to prevent some of these problems if you use lotion and avoid putting your hands in water often.

Color changes.

• Little white marks (leukonychia) often appear after minor injuries. They may last for weeks or months. They usually go away on their own.
• It's common for a nail to turn black after an injury. The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail. It will go away as the injury heals.
• Black, brown, or purple discoloration under a nail that has not been injured may be caused by melanoma.

Changes in the shape or texture of nails.

These may occur for many reasons. Some nail changes, such as the forming of ridges, are normal with aging. Thick, brittle, or dark nails are more common in older adults who have poor circulation.

Ingrown nails.

These are often caused by improper trimming, tight shoes, or heredity. Your nails may grow into the skin that surrounds them. This can cause pain, swelling, and infection. In rare cases, an abscess may form under a nail (subungual abscess).

Separation from the nail bed.

After your nail separates from its nail bed, no matter what the reason, it won't reattach. Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails to grow back attached to the nail bed.

Infection and allergic reactions.

These are common problems caused by artificial nails. Remove the artificial nail if it causes problems.

Fungal nail infections.

They can vary in appearance depending on the type of fungus or the location of the infection. The infected toenail usually turns white or yellow. It's not unusual for fungal nail infections to follow athlete's foot infections.

Other causes of nail problems

Nail problems can also be caused by:

• An injury to a nail.
• Hangnails. A hangnail may lead to a minor infection next to your nails (paronychia). This can cause the skin around the nails to become swollen and tender.
• Nail-biting. It can lead to fingertips that are red and sore and cuticles that bleed. Nail-biting also increases the chance of bacterial infections around your nail beds and in your mouth.
• Side effects of medicines, such as chemotherapy and antimalarial medicines.
• Diseases of the skin, such as psoriasis and eczema.
• Skin growths, such as warts, cysts, and moles.
• Other diseases such as Addison's disease, peripheral arterial disease, and HIV infection.

Common problems may develop with artificial nails, such as:

• Bacterial infection. You may dislodge an artificial nail from the nail bed by bumping it or catching it. Infection can develop in the gap that forms between the two nails, especially if the artificial nail is reglued before a thorough cleaning.
• Fungal nail infection. This can occur when moisture collects under acrylic nails. It is more common with nails that are left on for 3 months or longer. This type of infection can also happen if you reglue the artificial nail before you clean the gap.
• An allergic skin reaction to the products used to apply the artificial nails. You may develop itching, redness, and swelling around the nail. The reaction may cause the natural nail to separate from the nail bed.