Living in the net » nail

Images to show Nail Anatomy & Structure

admin — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:08:48 +0000

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. Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protein called keratin, as are animals’ hooves and horns.

The nail consists of the nail plate, the nail matrix and the nail bed below it, and the grooves surrounding it.

Nail Structure and Function

The nail is a complex unit composed of five major modified cutaneous structures: the nail matrix, nail plate, nail bed, cuticle (eponychium), and nail folds1 (Figure 1). The cuticle is an outgrowth of the proximal fold and is situated between the skin of the digit and the nail plate, fusing these structures together.2 This configuration provides a waterproof seal from external irritants, allergens, and pathogens.

No related posts.

Nail Fungus Treatments

admin — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:44:26 +0000

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a condition that occurs when a microscopic fungus enters either a fingernail or toenail. Fungal infections occur in toenails more often than in fingernails.

Anyone can get nail fungus, but infections are more common in people over the age of 60. For people who have diabetes or a weakened immune system, nail fungus can present serious risks.

How Is Nail Fungus Treated?

Treatment for a nail fungus may include topical creams or oral medications (antifungal drugs), but topical antifungal drugs likely won’t cure the infection. Rarely, surgery may be required. Removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Oral drugs, such as terbinfine, can cure about 50% of nail fungus infections.

Toenail infections are more difficult to treat than fingernail infections because the toenail grows more slowly. In addition, a damp, warm environment of a shoe or boot can encourage fungal growth.

How to Treat Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis) 2011 Edition

Which Treatments Work For Nail Fungus Infections?

The top 3 natural nail fungus treatments ranked as per effectiveness: (Click each link to read full reviews and product details)No.1 Rated: Zetaclear No.2 Rated: Funginix No.3 Rated: Nail Rx

Key points about treating fungal nail infections

* To get rid of a fungal nail infection, you will probably have to take a treatment, sometimes for up to six months.
* Fingernail infections tend to clear up quicker than toenail infections. You may need to take medication for only six weeks for a fingernail infection.
* Some Prespcription Medication can sometimes damage your liver (though this is rare) and you may have a test to check if your liver is healthy before starting a nail fungus treatment.
* Normally doctors recommend pills for this condition, but there are also treatments you can put on an infected nail. If the problem is mild, you might be given a nail varnish or use tea tree oil that kills the fungal infection.
* If your infection is severe or keeps coming back, your doctor might recommend removing part or all of your nail. But this treatment is rarely used.
* If your nail infection doesn’t bother you, you may wish to leave it alone.

Videos for nail fungus

Fungus Fix: How to Treat Nail Fungus
2 min – 24 Jan 2008
Uploaded by PeoplesPharmacy
youtube.com

How To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus
2 min – 20 Jan 2010
videojug.com

Nail Discoloration & Diseases

admin — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:36:51 +0000

Nail diseases are distinct from diseases of the skin. Although nails 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 and cannot be treated at a beauty parlor. Deformity or disease of the nails may be referred to as onychosis.

Nail discoloration such as a black toenail or a yellow fingernail may be harmless, or may be due to nail diseases, other medical problems or careless nail treatments.

Terms related to Nail Discoloration:

* Black Nails
* Fungal Nail Infection
* Fungal Nails
* Green Nails
* Ingrown Fingernail
* Ingrown Nail
* Ingrown Toenail
* Jogger’s Nails
* Nail Fungus
* Nail Infection
* Nail Ringworm
* Red Nails
* Ridges on Nails
* Ringworm of the Nails
* White Nails
* White Spots on the Nails
* Yellow Nails

Natural Home Remedies for Discolored Nails:

1. Try vinegar to combat green- or black-hued nails caused by bacterial infections. According to Dr. Coyle S. Connolly, as noted in “The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies,” vinegar acts as a mild acid helpful in nail care. Soak your fingernails in a bowl of vinegar two to three times a day. Additionally, a lemon juice soak offers similar effects.

2. Medicated vapor rub, the gel-like substance mom rubbed on your chest to combat a cold, may also rub out yellow nail discoloration due to early stage fungal infections.

3. Tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic and fungicide found in health food stores, is a home remedy that provides significant improvement in nail discoloration

4. The curative powers of Listerine mouthwash work wonders on keeping fungal growth in check, according to the Natural Home Remedies website.

Pain with nail patella syndrome

admin — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 01:56:56 +0000

People with nail-patella syndrome may display only a few or many of the recognized signs of this disease. Symptoms vary widely from person to person. Some of the common symptoms of Nail Patella Syndrome are :-

* The most obvious sign associated with nail-patella syndrome is absent, poorly developed, or unusual fingernails.
* Fingernails may be small and concave with pitting, ridges, splits, and/or discoloration.
* The knees of people with nail-patella syndrome may have a square appearance.
* Loss of peripheral (side) vision.
* Difficulty in adjusting to a dark room.
* Appearance of halos or rainbows around lights.
* Severe headaches, nausea and eye pain in rare cases.

This report describes a case of nail-patella syndrome in a woman with a strong family history who presented with effusions in her shoulder and knees. Microscopic examination of the shoulder fluid suggested the presence of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals, and examination of the knee fluid suggested both hydroxyapatite (HAP) and CPPD crystals. To our knowledge, the coexistence of these two conditions has not been reported in the past. Moreover, it brings up a new element regarding the inflammatory origin of the nail-patella syndrome.

Nail-patella syndrome associated with mixed crystal deposition arthropathy

what is nail patella syndrome and treatment

admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:23:42 +0000

Nail-patella syndrome (NPS) (also known as “Fong syndrome,” and “Hereditary osteoonychodysplasia”[1]) is a genetic disorder that is also referred to as Iliac Horn Syndrome, Hereditary Onychoostedysplasia, Fong Disease or Turner-Kiser Syndrome.

Nail-patella syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.The Nail-Patella syndrome is inherited via autosomal dominancy (see autosomal dominant) linked to aberrancy on human chromosome 9′s q arm (q stands for longer arm), 9q34. This autosomal dominancy means that only a single copy, instead of both, is sufficient for disorder to be expressed in the offspring, meaning that the chance of getting the disorder from an affected parent is 50%. The frequency of the occurrence is 1/50,000. The disorder is linked to the ABO blood group locus.

The hallmark features of this syndrome are poorly developed fingernails, toenails, and patellae (kneecaps). Sometimes, this disease causes the affected person to have either no thumbnails or a small piece of a thumbnail on the edge of the thumb. Other common abnormalities include elbow deformities, abnormally shaped pelvis bone (hip bone), and kidney (renal) disease. Also, some research shows that people with NPS are more prone to glaucoma and scoliosis, due to poorly developed spines.

People with nail-patella syndrome may display only a few or many of the recognized signs of this disease. Symptoms vary widely from person to person. Signs even vary within a single family with multiple affected members.

Treatment

Medical Care
Unless the patient presents with acute findings, perform the evaluation on an outpatient basis.
Suggest knee replacement if the patient develops osteoarthritis in the knees.
Dialysis and transplantation are necessary in patients who develop ESRD. Approximately 30-55% of patients have renal involvement.
The use of diuretics in patients with nephrotic syndrome depends on the glomerular filtration rate. Any therapy for edema requires an assessment of intravascular volume status.
Surgical Care
Renal transplantation has proven successful in patients with nail-patella syndrome (NPS) who develop ESRD.
Avoid excision of the radial head to correct elbow arthrodysplasia. This excision forces the ulna into the wrist, creating a painful condition.
MRI is necessary to reveal the abnormal muscle and nerve insertions that may complicate orthopedic procedures.
Consultations
Dentist
Geneticist
Nephrologist
Ophthalmologist
Orthopedist
Rheumatologist
Diet
No dietary restrictions are necessary unless hypertension or nephrotic syndrome develop. At this time, a salt-free diet is appropriate.
Activity
Joint abnormalities generally do not limit physical activity.