Nail disease
Overview
Nail diseases are distinct from diseases of the skin
. Although nail
s are a skin appendage
, they have their own signs and symptoms which may relate to other medical conditions. Nail conditions that show signs of infection
or inflammation
require medical assistance. Deformity
or disease
of the nails may be referred to as onychosis.
Skin
-Dermis:The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. The dermis is tightly connected to the epidermis by a basement membrane. It also harbors many Mechanoreceptors that provide the sense of touch and heat...
. Although nail
Nail (anatomy)
A nail is a horn-like envelope covering the dorsal aspect of the terminal phalanges of fingers and toes in humans, most non-human primates, and a few other mammals. Nails are similar to claws, which are found on numerous other animals....
s are a skin appendage
Skin appendage
Skin appendages are appendages that are associated with the skin and serve a particular function. In humans some of the more common skin appendages are hairs , arrector pilli , sebaceous glands , sweat glands Skin appendages are appendages that are associated with the skin and serve a particular...
, they have their own signs and symptoms which may relate to other medical conditions. Nail conditions that show signs of infection
Infection
An infection is the colonization of a host organism by parasite species. Infecting parasites seek to use the host's resources to reproduce, often resulting in disease...
or inflammation
Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
require medical assistance. Deformity
Deformity
A deformity, dysmorphism, or dysmorphic feature is a major difference in the shape of body part or organ compared to the average shape of that part.Deformity may arise from numerous causes:*A Genetic mutation*Damage to the fetus or uterus...
or disease
Disease
A disease is an abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism. It is often construed to be a medical condition associated with specific symptoms and signs. It may be caused by external factors, such as infectious disease, or it may be caused by internal dysfunctions, such as autoimmune...
of the nails may be referred to as onychosis.
- Onychia is an inflammationInflammationInflammation is part of the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and to initiate the healing process...
of the nail folds (surrounding tissue of the nail plate) of the nail with formation of pusPusPus is a viscous exudate, typically whitish-yellow, yellow, or yellow-brown, formed at the site of inflammatory during infection. An accumulation of pus in an enclosed tissue space is known as an abscess, whereas a visible collection of pus within or beneath the epidermis is known as a pustule or...
and shedding of the nail.
Unanswered Questions
