Onychodystrophy: a cosmetic defect or an alarming symptom?

Onychodystrophy is a collective term that refers to a number of nail diseases, accompanied by various changes in their color, shape, structure, etc. A large number of people today have one or another type of onychodystrophy. But if some of them appear insignificantly and are not perceived as a serious problem, then others may be accompanied by significant changes in the condition of the nails, making them aesthetically unattractive and causing a number of psychological complexes. Therefore, in the first case, the signs of onychodystrophy mainly concern only the most demanding women about their appearance, but in the second they cannot but cause concern. Fortunately, in modern dermatology there is a way to cure onychodystrophy or at least reduce the severity of its manifestations.

What is onychodystrophy

A human nail has a root, a body, i.e. the visible part of the nail, a free edge and a matrix in which the basal cells multiply. They form and move towards the root of the nail, gradually flattening and becoming keratinized. This ensures continuous growth of the nail plate. Between the keratinized cells of the nail and its root is the so-called lunula. It is crescent-shaped and white in color, with a cuticle running along its flat edge. It is a sheath at the base of the nail plate that protects the nail root from damage by pathogenic microorganisms. The nail is limited on 3 sides by folds of skin called ridges. On the side of the free edge there is a thin layer of skin called hyponychium. Over the entire area, except for the free edge, the nail plate is adjacent to the nail bed. It is formed by connective tissue, which is rich in nerve endings and blood vessels.

When disturbances occur in nutrition, metabolism, or changes in the chemical composition of nails under the influence of certain factors, onychodystrophy develops. Moreover, its appearance directly depends not only on the nature of the influencing factors, but also on the characteristics of the chemical composition of the nails, since it can vary quite widely among different people.

As a result of the accumulation of metabolic products in the cells and intercellular space, the structure of the cells of the nail plates may change. This leads to onychodystrophy, which can be manifested by impaired nail growth, its detachment from the bed, brittleness, delamination, the formation of spots, cracks, stripes, etc.

Onychodystrophy is a disease that does not have age, seasonal, racial or other characteristics. It can act as a symptom of the development of other somatic disorders or an independent pathological process. But in any case, onychodystrophy should not be ignored, and its appearance should be considered as the first sign of the occurrence of other disorders in the body until the contrary is proven.

Onychodystrophy can affect both fingernails and toenails. In this case, not all nails may suffer at once, but only one or several.

The importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease is also due to the fact that it can lead to the development of complications. The most dangerous consequences of the lack of treatment for onychodystrophy of any kind are:

• Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate, very common in advanced onychodystrophies. As a result of the addition of a fungal infection, the nails become even more deformed and change color, and subsequently the pathogenic microflora through the bloodstream can spread throughout the body and lead to mycoses of internal organs, the development of severe allergies to a number of medications and other complications.
• Subungual melanoma is a serious oncological disease characterized by an aggressive course and capable of claiming lives. It is characterized by the formation of a dark spot of any shape, stripe, etc. under the nail. The disease requires immediate consultation with a doctor.

Types of onychodystrophy

Onychodystrophy, regardless of the cause of its appearance, has several manifestations, which depend on the strength and integrity of natural nails, as well as the method of their damage.

There are nine types of disease:

1. Longitudinal grooves. The nail is deformed, creating an uneven convex stripe in the middle of the plate from the cuticle to the free edge.
2. Transverse grooves. They are much less common and involve the formation of deformation between the side ridges.
3. Onychorrhexis. The nail splits into two parts and a longitudinal crack forms.
4. Onychoschisis. Nail fracture occurs transversely to the growth of the nail surface.
5. Fragility. The nail becomes brittle, thins out, the free edge does not have time to grow back, and quickly breaks.
6. Onycholysis. The formation of a large detachment on the nail bed, which is not always separated from the surface and a void appears, which is very noticeable visually and tactilely.
7. Onychomadesis. A progressive form of the previous defect, when the lateral ridges and the main zone are affected.
8. Koilonychia. Surface deformation, which involves the formation of a depression in the center, and the surface rises on the sides.
9. Worn out. The plate becomes uneven, a large number of depressions and bumps form on its surface.

Most often, onychodystrophy manifests itself in several varieties simultaneously, but sometimes it occurs individually.

Reasons for development

Onychodystrophy can occur against the background of internal and external factors leading to changes in the course of trophic processes in the nails. The first include:

• chronic skin diseases, in particular eczema, atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, psoriasis;
• endocrine diseases, including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis;
• gastrointestinal pathologies, including gastritis, gastric ulcer;
• iron deficiency in the body and resulting anemia;
• decreased immunity due to a lack of vitamins, minerals, the presence of chronic diseases, immunodeficiencies;
• oncological diseases;
• intoxication;
• frequent stress;
• cardiovascular disorders.

However, more often onychodystrophy is caused by external factors, including:

• fungal and bacterial infections of nails;
• nail injuries, improper manicure;
• the influence of chemicals, including those contained in household chemicals, paints and varnishes, etc.;
• frequent exposure to ultraviolet rays on nails;
• living in unfavorable environmental conditions.

Therefore, onychodystrophy is most often diagnosed in women who regularly perform manicures, including in specialized manicure salons, and work with household chemicals without using gloves.

Causes

If you have onychodystrophy, treatment should begin immediately to prevent complications that affect the general health or future condition of the nails.

However, in order to begin neutralizing the defect, it is recommended to first find out the cause of its formation. Typically, a girl cannot figure out on her own what caused onychodystrophy, since there are several factors and reasons that can lead to thinning of the nail.

All possible causes of deterioration in the structure of the plate depend on the individual health status of the woman or the impact of aggressive external factors on the nails. Eliminating the second type of cause is easier because it depends on the patient himself and is temporary.

However, there are several options for the influence of external factors:

• Mechanical damage. Any injury to the finger or manicure area (pinching, bruise, splinter) affects the integrity of the circulatory system, which causes the nail bed to deteriorate;
• Improper nail treatment. When using unsterile instruments or their careless use, there is a risk of damage to the stratum corneum, which causes detachments to appear, thinning the nail;
• Contact with aggressive substances. When working with chemicals and detergents without using rubber gloves, acids and alkalis irritate the sensitive surface, gradually corroding it.

However, keep in mind that a woman can eliminate external factors herself, from which to recover and the condition of her fingernails or toenails. And if there are internal pathologies, you should definitely consult a doctor.

There are more internal reasons:

• Poor circulation;
• Vitamin deficiency is a lack of vitamins and microelements in the body;
• Dysfunction of the endocrine system;
• Dermatological diseases;
• Fungal infection;
• Cardiovascular diseases;
• Infectious diseases accompanied by severe inflammatory processes.

To neutralize the lesion, a woman first needs to eliminate the form of pathology in the body. To do this, the doctor prescribes appropriate treatment aimed locally at the area of ​​inflammation.

Girls often confuse onychodystrophy with a common fungus, since the symptoms can be similar. However, fungus is one of the common causes of general damage to the plate.

Symptoms of onychodystrophy

External manifestations of onychodystrophy depend on its type. However, in all cases, in addition to visual changes in the shape, structure, strength, and color of the nail plate, signs of local inflammation may additionally occur. In such situations, patients may notice redness and swelling of the skin in the area of ​​the affected nail, as well as experience pain of varying intensity when pressing on the nail or constantly.

Today there is no strict and generally accepted classification of onychodystrophies. Therefore, as a rule, dermatologists divide them according to the reasons for their development, with an emphasis on the specifics of external manifestations.

In general, a distinction is made between congenital and acquired onychodystrophies. The former are a consequence of gene mutations, and the latter are the result of malnutrition of the nails under the influence of external and/or internal factors. In this case, acquired onychodystrophies are divided into isolated ones and those that arise against the background of the development of other diseases.

The symptoms of onychodystrophy are very similar to the manifestations of onychomycosis, i.e. fungal infection of the nails. This causes a number of difficulties in its diagnosis.

Congenital onychodystrophies

Congenital onychodystrophies are the result of gene mutations that have occurred in the patient or when a tendency to nail dystrophy is inherited from relatives. They can appear from birth or arise under the influence of a traumatic factor, an inflammatory process, or the development of disorders in the functioning of internal organs.

Onychomadesis

Onychomadesis is a hereditary nail dystrophy, in which the nail plate is separated from the bed in the places where it adjoins the skin ridges. The disease debuts after a finger injury, and changes increase acutely and at high speed. In addition to the separation of the nail at the ridges from the bed, the development of an inflammatory process and the occurrence of pain can be observed.

With proper treatment, it is possible to restore the function of the matrix, after which a healthy nail grows. This does not guarantee the absence of recurrence in case of repeated injuries. But if they are frequent, complete atrophy of the nail bed and loss of the nail are possible.

Koilonychia

Koilonychia is an onychodystrophy characterized by depression of the nail plate in the form of a cup or saucer. The nails most often affected are the index and middle fingers, although all nails, including the feet, can be affected.

The exact reasons for the development of koilonychia are not yet fully understood. It is believed that the tendency to develop such disorders is genetically determined, and the trigger for their occurrence can be anemia, Cushing's disease, thyrotoxicosis, typhoid fever and some other diseases.

Anonychia

Anonychia is an onychodystrophy, manifested from birth by the absence of one or several nails on the fingers or toes. The disease is rare, but may be accompanied by deviations from the norm in the structure of the hair, the functioning of the sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as other developmental defects.

Platonychia and Micronychia

Platonychia is the thickening and flattening of the nail. As a result, the nail plate is completely flat, devoid of a natural arched shape.

Micronychia is an onychodystrophy manifested by shortening of the nail plates. Most often, such changes are noticed on the fingers, although they are also possible on the toes. It is believed that micronychia can also accompany psoriasis.

Hippocrates nails

Hippocrates' nails are a genetically determined onychodystrophy in which the nails become convex and increase in size. As a result, the fingers take on the shape of drumsticks. Despite all the roughness of nails, they are fragile. This can also be observed in chronic respiratory diseases.

Isolated acquired onychodystrophies

The category of isolated onychodystrophies includes those that occur independently without connection with other diseases. Most often they are the result of adverse mechanical, chemical and ultraviolet effects. These include increased fragility of nails, the formation of longitudinal grooves, onycholysis and others. In general, they cause only a cosmetic defect and do not pose a danger. To restore the health of the nails (with rare exceptions) in such situations, it is enough to eliminate the cause of the development of onychodystrophy.

Brittle nails

Increased fragility of nails is the most common type of onychodystrophy, which consists in breaking off the free edge of the nail plate along the entire thickness. In most cases, women face a similar problem due to the depletion of their nails by frequent manicures, especially those carried out in violation of the rules, or frequent contact with hot water or chemicals.

Onychoschisis

This term means transverse separation of the nails without the occurrence of other disorders and signs of inflammation. With onychoschisis, the free edge of the nail splits into 2 or even 3 layers, and no changes are observed in the rest of it. Most often, the nail plates of the index, middle and ring fingers are affected, since they are the ones that are most injured in everyday life. In addition, an addiction to playing stringed musical instruments and improperly performed manicure can provoke splitting of nails.

Furrows Bo

Bo's groove is the formation of a transverse notch on the nail plate, which is a direct consequence of mechanical injury. This is also called manicure onychodystrophy, since the main cause of such dystrophy is a violation of the technique of removing gel polish with a cutter or injury from other manicure tools.

Longitudinal furrows

Longitudinal grooves are faintly defined individual or multiple lines on the surface of the nails, which can be present both in cases of dysfunction of the matrix and in healthy people. The main reason for the formation of longitudinal furrows is considered to be zinc deficiency in the body, which most often affects adherents of a vegetarian diet. Although such a nail defect can also be a consequence of:

• careless manicure with severe injury to the cuticle, which often occurs when the manicure is cut too deep;
• matrix damage;
• decreased immunity due to certain reasons;
• frequent stress.

Onycholysis

Onycholysis is a common type of onychodystrophy, in which there is detachment of part of the nail plate from the bed. As a result, the separated part of the nail may become paler with a grayish tint, although the surface itself remains smooth and has a normal structure. However, when a bacterial or fungal infection is attached, it becomes rough, lumpy, and may thicken and become brittle.

Onycholysis can be a consequence of a variety of factors:

• mechanical trauma or prolonged compression of the nail;
• chronic dermatoses, pathologies of the endocrine, nervous, cardiovascular systems and gastrointestinal tract;
• taking antibiotics, in particular the group of tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones;
• a diet poor in vitamins and minerals, leading to the development of hypovitaminosis;
• use of low quality varnishes for manicure;
• behavioral disorders in the form of the habit of biting and breaking nails, including using various devices.

Onychogryphosis

Onychogryphosis is an onychodystrophy, accompanied by a sharp thickening of the nail plate, a change in their color to dirty yellow or even brown and twisting into a spiral or in the form of a horn. The reasons for the development of this type of disease are still unknown, although it is believed that both exogenous and endogenous factors are simultaneously involved in its occurrence. These may include nail injuries, frostbite, infections, wearing uncomfortable, too-tight shoes, chronic skin diseases, immunodeficiencies, age-related hormonal changes, and even varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Leukonychia

Leukonychia is one of the most common types of onychodystrophy, which is characterized by the appearance of white spots and stripes of various sizes in the thickness of the nail. Depending on the characteristics of nail damage, the following forms of leukonychia are distinguished:

• dotted or stripe-shaped - white spots that appear in the thickness of the nail move along with the nail and are subsequently cut off and do not form in the future;
• subtotal - white spots are persistent and occupy a significant part of the nail plate;
• total – almost the entire surface of the nail becomes white, the changes are permanent.

There are many reasons for the development of leukonychia. Most often it occurs against the background of a deficiency in the body of vitamins and minerals, in particular calcium, zinc and potassium. White spots can also be caused by violating the rules of manicure, using low-quality varnish, wearing shoes that are too tight, or frequent contact with chemical compounds.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation of nails is onychodystrophy, manifested by yellowing or browning of the nails over the entire surface or only part. This may occur when taking tetracycline and resorcinol when treating bacterial or other infections. In such cases they talk about drug-induced hyperpigmentation. But also a change in the color of the nails can occur with prolonged use of manicure varnishes, then chemical hyperpigmentation is diagnosed.

Manifestations of the disease

Onychodystrophy in most cases is noticeable visually, so it does not have a hidden form of progression. Because of this, it is quite easy to identify the problem and resort to timely treatment.

It is easy to notice the first signs of symptoms of the disease, but you cannot prescribe its treatment yourself, since there is a risk of confusing it with another similar damage to the sensitive surface.

Onychodystrophy manifests itself as standard with symptoms:

• The nail plate becomes rough and matte;
• The surface changes significantly in thickness - it either becomes very thick or thinner;
• The shade of the nail changes. Either yellowness or a light coating forms on it;
• Dark local pigmentation appears in the form of spots, stripes;
• The shape of the nail changes. Depressions or bumps form, due to which a natural manicure cannot be disguised even with a decorative coating;
• Numerous detachments are formed;
• The nail is gradually destroyed without having time to grow back.

The main thing is to refuse to apply a decorative coating when you notice the first symptoms, because it only visually hides defects, but does not restore the structure of a natural manicure. In addition, this way you may miss the progression of the problem, which will make it more difficult to neutralize it.

If you have onychodystrophy, the first symptoms are usually associated with a change in the shade of the nail - dark pigmentation, stripes, spots appear, and only then the plate gradually begins to collapse. From the first symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor to quickly rehabilitate the nail structure.

Signs of an advanced form of the lesion are even easier to diagnose, since the nail looks inflamed, severe delamination of the plate appears, and it quickly collapses. There is a risk of complete spontaneous destruction of the nail.

Onychodystrophy as a sign of other diseases

A much more serious problem than isolated onychodystrophies are those that arise as a result of the development of other disorders in the functioning of the body. In such situations, patients require comprehensive treatment aimed at eliminating existing diseases and improving nail nutrition.

Onychorrhexis

Onychorrhexis is onychodystrophy, accompanied by longitudinal separation of the nail plate in any part of it, including at the base of the nail. Such changes may signal the development of chronic dermatosis, most often caused by frequent contact with specific chemicals.

Scleronychia

Scleronychia is a clear manifestation of endocrine diseases, i.e. hormonal imbalances as a result of excessive or, conversely, insufficient function of one or another endocrine gland. This type of onychodystrophy is characterized by a change in the color of the nail to yellow-brown, but unlike hyperpigmentation, this is accompanied by its thickening, loss of elasticity and transparency. Subsequently, the nail may separate in places from the nail bed, as with onycholysis. Sometimes the lunula disappears.

Trachyonychia

Trachyonychia is an uncommon type of onychodystrophy, characteristic of immunodeficiency states. It is characterized by paleness of the nail plate, loss of natural shine and the formation of small scales on it. The lunula has also disappeared.

Thimble-shaped nails

This form of the disease is characterized by the formation of small depressed dots on the surface of the nail, as if from a needle. This can happen when:

• psoriasis;
• lichen planus;
• exfoliative dermatitis;
• alopecia areata.

Skin diseases

When working with a client, a manicurist needs to remember that there are various skin diseases, including infectious ones , which must be able to be identified by appearance. Of course, you should not work with people who have infectious (contagious) diseases due to the danger of their spreading over a larger area and becoming infected.

Infectious diseases

Pustular diseases

The most common skin diseases. They are caused by staphylococcal and streptococcal microbes and are characterized by the presence of abrasions, ulcers, and yellow crusts on the skin of the hands and other parts of the body, under which there is purulent discharge.

Boils, folliculitis

Purulent inflammation of the hair follicles (sacs) or sebaceous glands. In these cases, painful red nodes appear on the skin, in the center of which after 3-5 days a purulent “core” appears.

Inflammation of the nail folds

Swelling, redness, and pain in the skin surrounding the nail; purulent contents may be present. This phenomenon is called paronychia (felon)

. It is cured within a short time, but sometimes the participation of a surgeon is required. When treating such a finger, do not touch the inflamed area. You can recommend the client salt baths and heparin-containing ointments and gels to relieve swelling. Vishnevsky's liniment and levomekol can be applied at night under a bandage.

Erysipelas

An acute infectious disease caused by streptococcus. It most often occurs on the legs, but can also affect the skin of the hands. The clinical picture is as follows: bright redness, swelling with unclear borders similar to tongues of fire, pain. The skin is hot to the touch. May have a peripheral ridge.

Mycoses

Diseases caused by different types of pathogenic fungi. Mycoses of the hands are manifested by thickening of the skin, peeling, especially in the skin furrows against the background of slight redness. Often the lesion is limited to raised, scalloped edges. Patients are bothered by itching.

Scabies

A contagious disease caused by the scabies mite. Patients are concerned about itching, especially at night, rashes of small red nodules arranged in pairs, and pinpoint crusts. Typical location: interdigital folds of the hands, wrist area, elbows, as well as the abdomen, genitals, buttocks, and lateral surfaces of the torso.

Human papillomavirus (wart)

Non-inflammatory disease of viral origin. The human papillomavirus most often affects the feet and hands. The disease is transmitted through direct contact or through various objects, so the master should not handle them - there is a risk of accelerated spread. There are different types of warts:

• Vulgar warts
  are rough, convex formations with a hard, rounded surface. They are located mainly on the hands.

• Flat warts
  are rashes on the back of the hands and in the area of ​​the wrist joints. The shape is different, the color is red-brown, sometimes bluish.
• Plantar warts
  - located on the soles of the feet, painful, looking like a callus or a small pit. They differ from core calluses in that they are located in soft tissues and are delimited from them by a “side”; they have a structure similar to a bundle of thin tubes.

Herpes

Another viral disease that occurs when working with your hands. It has similar signs as when it appears on the nasolabial triangle (nose, oral and nasal mucosa). Manifestations of herpes can accompany a person throughout his life, disappearing and reappearing when immunity declines. Colds, changing seasons, stress, immune system failures are factors that explain the activation of the virus.

Non-infectious skin diseases

Among non-infectious skin diseases, the most common are hangnails, dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis and psoriasis.

hangnail

A hangnail (“hanging nail”) is a common condition of the cuticle in the sinus area. Hangnails appear due to too dry cuticles or as a result of improper cutting or biting off a disturbing piece of skin. The situation can be easily corrected by softening the cuticle with oil. This condition is one of the simplest and most common, but carries the threat of infection with possible consequences in the form of panaritium and subsequent onycholysis.

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin, which can be caused by various reasons. They can be of an allergic nature, due to a person’s increased sensitivity to common chemicals (washing powders, cleaning products, varnishes, paints, etc.). Dermatitis can also be caused by ordinary damaging factors (high temperature, cold, concentrated acids and alkalis, etc.). This disease manifests itself as redness, swelling with clear boundaries, burning, pain. There may be small bubbles or blisters in this background. The disease can be treated under the supervision of a dermatologist.

Eczema

A chronic disease, in the mechanism of which the main role is played by allergies to various internal and external irritants. It manifests itself simultaneously with several signs: redness, swelling, itching, the presence of small blisters and abrasions, nodules. Most often, areas affected by eczema become weeping. Subsequently, thickening of the skin and peeling occurs. The disease usually occurs against the background of diseases of internal organs, stress, and damage to the nervous system.

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis) is a genetically determined disease. Occurs in childhood and often recurs. There are areas of redness, thickening, and peeling on the skin of the hands, elbow pits, neck, around the eyes and mouth, and other areas of the skin. The skin pattern is clearly visible. The disease is accompanied by severe itching, so longitudinal abrasions and crusts are visible on the surface of the affected skin. It is necessary to avoid contact of aggressive drugs (alcohols, acetone, alkalis and acids) on the affected area.

Psoriasis

A genetically determined general disease that affects not only the skin, but also joints, kidneys, and liver. It is based on the accelerated reproduction of basal cells of the epidermis, which do not have time to go through all phases of development. The disease can occur at any age. The picture of the disease is as follows: areas of redness, thickening of the skin, covered with silvery scales, appear throughout the skin. They peel off easily, and pinpoint bleeding is found underneath them. The rashes are most often located on the hands, elbows, and scalp.

Pigmentation disorders

Skin conditions associated with pigmentation disorders are not uncommon.

. They can be caused by internal and external reasons, as a result of which an excess or lack of pigment appears in the skin. The function of melanocytes is impaired, the body is more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Pigmentation disorders are not a contraindication to nail services.

Well-known examples of such conditions are vitiligo, albinism, chloasma and freckles.

Albinism

Complete absence of pigmentation in the body, including skin, hair, eyes. These people's hair is white. The skin color is pale pink, devoid of any shade. The eyes are pink. When using light-curing materials (gel polish, gel), it is important to apply sunscreen to the skin of the hands up to the middle phalanx of the fingers, avoiding the cuticle area and the nails themselves.

Vitiligo

Characterized by pale pink spots on various areas of the skin.

Chloasma

Large brown spots on the skin of the face, neck, and less often in other places.

Freckles

Small brownish spots on the face and body.

Also, hyper- and hypopigmented spots can remain in place of resolved lesions in some skin diseases, after acne, after incorrectly performed cosmetic procedures, during hormonal changes, etc.

When signing up for a procedure, clients often do not warn the specialist about the presence of a particular disease. To organize your work safely and feel confident even when encountering infectious diseases, we recommend that you read the sanitary standards and rules for processing tools.

Diagnostics

If signs of onychodystrophy occur, you should contact a dermatologist who will interview and examine the patient, including using a dermatoscope. It is a compact device that provides a multiple magnification of the surface under consideration.

If necessary, the doctor will additionally prescribe a blood test, nail microscopy and bacterial culture. These tests are mainly required to diagnose infectious complications of onychodystrophy.

Treatment of onychodystrophy

Treatment of onychodystrophy is complex and primarily aimed at eliminating the cause of its development. It is carried out under the supervision of a dermatologist. The doctor definitely recommends avoiding contact of nails with any chemicals and using protective gloves when performing household work. It is also recommended to enrich the daily diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, unsaturated fatty acids, and essential amino acids. If onychodystrophy is a consequence of the development of a particular disease, appropriate treatment is prescribed, which may require, in addition to consulting a dermatologist, examination by another specialist, for example, an endocrinologist or cardiologist.

During treatment and subsequently, it is important to avoid injury to the nails, especially when performing a manicure.

Since external agents do not penetrate the nail well, their use is supplemented with systemic drug therapy. It may include:

• vitamins A, C, E, B6, PP;
• iron and calcium supplements;
• multicomponent vitamin and mineral complexes;
• drugs that improve microcirculation;
• angioprotectors;
• immunostimulants;
• restorative drugs.

In the most difficult cases, a dermatologist may prescribe corticosteroids, quinolines and cytostatics.

Additionally, warm nail baths are recommended. Depending on the type of onychodystrophy, herbal decoctions, sea salt, and essential oils are used. Mud therapy and paraffin applications, for which only natural wax is suitable, give good results.

If onychodystrophy is accompanied by the development of onychomycosis, antifungal therapy appropriate to the situation must be prescribed.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment for nail dystrophy, patients may be advised to take courses:

• PUVA therapy;
• UV therapy;
• iontophoresis with vitamins;
• acupuncture;
• electrophoresis.

Additionally, patients may be recommended to undergo a therapeutic hardware manicure. In this case, the specialist will be able to bring the condition of the nail as close as possible to normal and eliminate the most pronounced external changes.

For most types of onychodystrophy, the prognosis is favorable. Nevertheless, changes in the condition of the nails cannot be ignored, even if the aesthetic side of the issue is not prerogative. After all, this may indicate the occurrence of more serious changes in the functioning of internal organs, the consequences of the progression of which will be much more significant than a change in the shape, color or structure of the nail. Therefore, if signs of congenital onychodystrophy or those that can act as a sign of other pathologies appear, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist as soon as possible and follow his recommendations.