Toenail problems are more common in elderly people but they may also be seen in people of all ages. Nail problems may also be due to injury, poor nail care, tight shoes and fungal infections, paronychia and other nail diseases. Nails are skin appendages but they have their own symptoms that may or may not relate to other diseases. Ant disease or disorder of the nails is referred to as onychosis. Nail problems with visible symptoms of an infection cannot be treated in a beauty parlor. Onychia is inflammation of the surrounding nail tissue marked by pus and shedding of the nail. Ingrown nails or a nail cutting into one or both sides of nail bed is a common problem with aged people and can affect either the fingers or toes. Ingrown nails, if not removed, usually tend to cause inflammation and in some cases may also lead to an infection. Deformation of the nails may occur due to chemotherapeutic drugs used for treatment of cancer. Thickening and increase in the curvature of nails is usually due to an injury but may also be hereditary. Loosening of the exposed portion of the nail from the nail bed is normally due to injury, infection, fungal infection or side effects of drugs.
The most common cause of yellow toenails is fungal infection. This condition may prevail without injury or inflammation but once the fungus is established in the nail it is difficult to remove it. However, certain medical conditions like chronic bronchitis, lymphatic problems, diabetes and liver disease are also associated with yellowing of the nail bed.
Actually, fungal infections are the most common type of infection that affects toenails. It is identified by symptoms that include thickening, color changes and loosening of nails from the nail bed. Paronychia, a common nail infection, is caused by fungi and/or Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that also causes illnesses ranging from minor skin infections and abscesses.
Staphylococcus aureus is also associated with life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and septicemia. Improper toenail removal is another reason for the development of nail problems. Due to failing eyesight and other age related problems the elderly tend to use improper methods for removing nails, which can lead to deformation as well as nail infections.
The same fungus that causes ringworm is also responsible for fungal toenail infection. This too can result in discoloration, crumbling of nails, thickening and chalkiness. Running in undersized shoes and repeated minor physical damage may lead to collection of blood under the nail. This can be extremely painful and treated by releasing blood after boring a hole in the nail.
Physical examination of nails, like iris and tongue inspection, can provide useful information about internal health. Nail inspection is one of the major diagnostic procedures employed by ancient therapies. Besides toenail problems, pliability, shape and texture, discoloration and change in color of the lunulae (crescent shaped area at the base) are indicative of many problems and deficiencies in the body.
If you want to learn more about this, you can visit Berkely Network