What Is Leukonychia?

Definition of Leukonychia

As with most medical words, this one is long and confusing, but what is it? Leukonychia is a condition that affects the nails. It typically appears as though the nail changes color. In this condition, the nail can either partially change color or fully change color. It is caused either by systemic problems or by a genetic disorder. The nail has looks like a normal nail; it is shaped like a normal nail, but it turns white.

The white appearance of the nail is caused by cells called “parakeratotoic cells.” These cells are not fully under-developed and contain a bulky nucleus. Inside the nucleus, these cells are known to contain keratohyalins. This slight cellular difference causes the nail to look white.

Different Types of Leukonychia

True Leukonychia

This type of leukonychia contains two different variations called total leukonychia and partial leukonychia. The difference between the two depends on the appearance of the nail. The difference in appearance is described as completely white or only two-thirds of the way discolored.

Total Leukonychia – Considered an autosomal dominant condition. This is not the only cause. Other problems may cause this disorder including:
- Leprosy
- Typhoid
- Cytotoxic Drugs
- Biting your nails
Partial Leukonychia – Considered only a phase of total leukonychia. While there are many different causes, the most common are:
- Metastatic carcinoma
- Tuberculosis
- Leprosy

In total, there are three different types of partial leukonychia.

Transverse leukonychia – This disorder causes the nail to appear multi-colored. While it occurs in both men and women, it is seen mostly in women’s fingernails. There are many different causes but the most common are:
- Respiratory infections
- High fever
- Malaria
- Leprosy
Punctate leukonychia – This is the most common type of leukonychia. It can occur in the nails of any person and can happen multiple times in their lifetime. In this type of leukonychia, the nail appears to have small white spots that fade over a short period of time.
Longitudinal leukonychia – Appears as a small white line that is under the nail. It may make the nail appear to be bumpy, while it is actually flat and smooth.

Pseudo Leukonychia

This type of leukonychia is diagnosed when there is a discoloration in the nail due to changes in the nail bed. There are three different forms of this disorder:

Terry’s nails – This type affects most of the nail and causes most of the nail to be white in color. The rest of the nail will appear pink or brown in color.
Muehrcke’s nails – This disorder causes the nail to appear as though it has several white bands.
Half and half nails – This disorder causes the nail to appear white and dull in color. The rest of the nail may appear brown.

Treatment for Leukonychia

The most effective treatment for leukonychia is to treat it at the source. The cause of leukonychia is a zinc disorder which can easily be treated with an over-the-counter supplement. While the nail is affected, you should avoid any contact with chemicals or other substances that may damage them further.

Beer Soak – Homeopathic Remedy for Nail Fungus

Beer Soak as a Nail Fungus Remedy

Not only is the yellowing of fingernails and toenails unattractive, but it can also be harmful and contagious. Fungus living in or under your nail causes such discoloration. The disorder is not uncommon, but it can make nails become rough and thick as well as turn yellow or white. While a severe case of nail fungus infection may require prescription medication, milder cases may be treated at home with various remedies. Homeopathic remedies have been used for many years and have been proven effective nail fungus treatments.

One of the treatments is very simple. Combine dark beer, also known as stout, white vinegar, and acidophilus together to soak your feet in. Acidophilus is a bacterium that works well in treating nail fungus infections. Mixed with beer, it creates an environment that does not permit growth of the fungus.

Why Does It Work?

The vinegar and acidophilus combine together to create an acidic environment. Fungi cannot survive in an acidic environment. Bacteria, like acidophilus, thrive in this environment and fight infection.

The alcohol in the beer softens the tissue around the nail, allowing the vinegar to get under the nail and begin killing the fungus.

Nail Fungus Soak Recipe

1 large bowl or tub (large enough to soak the affected area)
4 cups white vinegar.
2 pints of stout.
1 sachet of acidophilus
Nail file (use it at least once per week).

Directions

You can use this mixture for up to 48 hours mixing it up. You can use it repeatedly during this time frame.

Mix the ingredients in the soaking container.
Soak the affected nails in the container for at least 30 minutes.
Wash the affected area with warm water and soap.
Dry completely.

Soak the affected area at least twice per day for 3 to 6 months.

Once Per Week

Once per week, right after you have soaked the affected area, use a nail file to file the affected nails. When you do this, expose the new nail. Soak the affected area for an additional 30 minutes. Wash with warm soap and water as you normally would and dry completely.

If you notice that the area around the nail becomes sensitive after you soak them, or during the soak, reduce the number of times you soak them to once per day. After about a month, you will see a change take place.

If the affected area is not too severe, you may see change after about a week of treatment. You must use the treatment on a regular basis and do not miss a treatment. After the fungal infection begins to die off, you will see new, a fresh nail growing from the cuticle area.

Over time, trimming your nail will eventually cut off the portion that was yellow and thick, and a new, beautiful nail will take its place. It may take up to 12 weeks for a new nail to grow in place of the old infected one.

Myxoid Cyst or Digital Mucous

A Myxoid cyst can develop if there is any alteration of the tissue on the tip of the toe. The cyst is a shiny bump that typically goes unnoticed until it begins to grow larger. It feels soft and slightly rubbery. It appears somewhat transparent.

When they develop, typically on the end of a finger or toe, they can grow to about ¾ of an inch wide. Sometimes, these cysts break open and spill their contents. Typically, the contents are white or yellowish in color and very thick. Myxoid cysts are more common in women than they are men, and are also more common in people who are over the age of 45.

What is a Myxoid Cyst?

Myxoid cysts typically develop if there is minor trauma. They can also be caused by friction, in the same manner that a blister would be created. Keeping your hands in water for long periods of time can also cause these cysts to grow. Your body can soak up the water and it can collect in a bump, this can develop into an infection.

How is it Treated?

The best thing about this particular disorder is that unless there is pain or throbbing, there is no urgency in getting treatment. This disease can also go away on its own. You can also help the cyst go away by pressing on it or squeezing it.

If you seek a medical doctor for help, the typical way to remove it is cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy is the act of freezing an area in an effort to kill off the infection. This is typically done using liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide snow, propane, and dymethyl ether. The most popular approach uses liquid nitrogen. This treatment is very safe, quick and effective in removing a wide variety of unwanted cysts and warts.

Liquid Nitrogen Treatment – Using this treatment, a cryoprobe, cryospray, or cotton-tipped applicator is placed directly on the cyst. It freezes the cyst and helps heal the skin.
CO2 Snow Treatment – Carbon Dioxide cryotherapy utilizes a tube of icy carbon dioxide that is sprayed directly onto the affected area.
DMEP treatment – This treatment uses a foam applicator. The chemical is applied directly to the area for about 20 to 50 seconds. The time it is left on depends greatly on the size of the cyst and the location on the body.

Some Myxoid cysts can be removed in a surgical manner. It is important to note that removing one surgically makes it more likely that the problem will reoccur. If you choose this way of treatment, your doctor will also order an ultrasound and possibly an MRI which can be very expensive.

If the cyst is not painful, your doctor may insert a needle and remove the fluid. This will leave the existing skin to heal. If this method is used, the area around the cyst may peel away shortly after the procedure.

Onychoschizia – Split Nail

Onychoschizia: What it is and How to Treat it

Onychoschizia is a condition in which the nail falls apart or splits easily. Typically, those who have onychoschizia have nails that are thin, squashy ,and fragile, and contain crumple lines. Those with this disorder are more likely to develop nail infections. This condition is more commonly found in women than men.

What Causes Onychoschizia?

Having nails submerged in any form of liquid for a long period of time
Poor nutrition
Certain vitamin deficiencies
Nail polish remover
Stress

How to Handle Onychoschizia

Wear gloves when you are using cleaning materials or having your hands submerged in water for a long period of time.
Use ointments or lotions that contain ingredients like alpha hydroxyl acid.
Do not use your fingernails to dial the telephone or push against things.
Learn how to treat your nails.
Wear gloves in the winter.
Trim your nails and file them to be flush with your fingertip.
Do not buff the surface of your nails, this thins them out and they are already thin enough.
Take a vitamin supplement that contains biotin. Women who are pregnant should not take this supplement.
Use nutritional supplements to help increase the strength of your nails.
Wear nail polish that contains nylon fibers. This will help strengthen your nails.

Fungal Toenail Infections and Using Home Remedies

Home Remedies can fight Fungal Infections

‘Home remedy’, is the phrase people think of when something has been passed through generations of family or many people by word of mouth. In some cases, these home remedies do work. Most of these remedies were brought about by people when it wasn’t easy to get to a doctor; so they used the next best thing, by using household items.

Many people agree that many of these home remedies work for nail fungus. Applying Vicks VapoRub, or soaking the nail in Listerine, vinegar, bleach, peroxide, or various essential oils on the affected areas of skin can help.

Although bleach is an item we don’t recommend, people online have suggested it.

Some Useful Remedies

These items change the pH level of the area you apply them to. Since fungus needs a certain amount of pH, this makes it unlivable for the nail fungus. Doing this may affect any other skin that comes in contact with the area. This can cause the skin to dry out, which can cause it to be more susceptible to infection. To help keep this from happening, you can take the solution of vinegar or Listerine and soak a cotton ball in it. Then apply it to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. This will keep the healthy skin around the infection from becoming dry and lower risk for infection.

Many people ask why or how Vicks VapoRub can work. It is pretty unanimous that the eucalyptus rub does show quick results in clearing up toenail fungus. To do this you must rub the entire affected area with the compound. You should see results in clearing of the infection in just a few days.

Although proven to be effective, rubbing alcohol or peroxide can irritate the skin.

If applied to the nail and the area around the infection they will kill the toenail fungus.

When using these remedies remember to be smart about it. All of them have been shown to help slow, kill and/or remove toenail fungus. But, just like any other medications, over-the-counter or prescribed, you should stop treatment right away if the infection gets worse or spreads. If the infected area is already releasing pus or has separated from the nail, don’t use these remedies and seek advice from your healthcare provider.

Toenail Fungus Treatment Options

Treatments for Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a common disease that can be contracted by everyone. It is also one of the most difficult ones to cure. Before it can be treated, you have to determine what caused it, which requires the help of a physician. Toenail infections can be fungal, bacterial, or something completely unrelated. If it is found to be an infection, you must then determine whether it is Dermatophyte or yeast that is causing the infection.

Most people are not aware that there are home remedies for treating nail fungus, while others are not sure whether their particular fungus is treatable using a home remedy. Please note, that if your infection has reached the point where there is drainage, pain, or swelling, you must see a physician because you are past the point where a home remedy will work effectively. Trying to treat it yourself at that stage may pose the risk of more damage to the surrounding tissue. At such a point, medical intervention is necessary.

Home Remedies

Home remedies are extremely effective, especially when treating the early signs and symptoms of toenail fungus. While some people still see home remedies as “iffy”, they are effective. When you really think about it, home remedies were the only option a few hundred years ago and science is showing that they are, in some cases, more effective than standard medicine.

Many of the home remedy methods may seem a bit strange, but the science that backs them is very strong. Natural fungicides are widely available on the market, and even doctors attest that sometimes they are more effective than prescription options.

For example, soaking your feet in vinegar may sound gross at first, not to mention vinegar is rather smelly. However, for years vinegar has been used as a natural disinfectant in both treating illness and in cleaning. Just like any home remedy, vinegar must be tried in the early stages of a nail fungus infection. Once the fungus has caused separation of the nail or open sores, dipping your feet in vinegar or Listerine can be very painful.

Modern Medical Community

The modern medical community has created a lot of different solutions for nail fungus by using pharmaceutical companies to create various medications to treat them.

If you catch the infection early on, your doctor is likely to prescribe a paint-on, clear-coat nail medication. If the product does not work to clear up the infection, your doctor may next prescribe an oral medication taken in pill form. Do this only under the close supervision of a doctor. This is because oral anti-fungal medications can cause severe, toxic effects to the liver. See your doctor regularly if you are taking oral anti-fungal medications, which can make this method of treatment very expensive.

Make sure to let your doctor know about any medications you are taking, both prescription and herbal, even vitamin supplements. Knowing this information lets your doctor make the right choice with the medication he or she prescribes, because some of them can cause severe interactions if used with other things.

While the best course of treatment is prevention and early detection, nail fungus does not cause any severe side effects early on. This means that it is easy to overlook, especially for those who wear nail polish or shoes on a regular basis. Nail fungus is easier to ignore if it is on your feet, very likely during the colder months where your feet are covered with shoes. Those who do not know much about nail fungus may feel that it will go away on its own or that it is just the lighting in the room they are in. Shortly after, they forget about it until it begins to cause issues, like disfiguring the nail.

The most important thing in treatment is catching the infection early on and preventing the fungus from reaching the nail bed, where it will grow faster.

How Can I Tell If I Have a Nail Fungus Infection?

Many people think that nail fungus would be an easy thing to diagnose and treat. This is not the case, since it can actually be hard to tell and can get misdiagnosed. The more information you can give your doctor the more he or she can figure out what tests need to be run to find out what the problem is.

Nail infections can be either bacterial or fungal. Onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection, is usually caused by a dermatophyte called Trichophyton rubrum. It could also be caused by Candida albicans, a yeast growth (also a fungus). Treatments for these fungal infections depend on what type they are. An infection caused by fungus should be treated with an antifungal. A bacterial infection should be treated with an antibiotic.

Onychomycosis affects the nail bed (skin underneath the nail), nail plate (the hard surface that we refer to as the nail), or the skin around the nail. Onychomycosis is the cause for one third of skin infections and half of nail infections. The visual signs that you can see on the nail is the fungus. A white or yellowish crust appears on top of or embedded in the nail. This is the actual fungus growth. This appears in the streaks along the line of the nail (finger or toe) and sometimes at the cuticle (soft area at the base of the nail). The fungus spreads and covers the entire nail surface, turning milky white or yellow. The fungus also causes the nail to become ridged and deformed. This happens when keratin is consumed by the dermatophytes and they spit out destructive waste. Fungus can get beneath the nail plate causing the nail bed to become irregular. This can make the nail plate become loose and fall off from the bumpy nail bed.

If the Nail Fungus Infection Becomes Severe

If the nail fungus infection becomes severe, or contains Candida, the nail can become swollen and sensitive to the touch around the nail. The skin can spit out a thick ooze or pus and be very uncomfortable, even painful. This is a result of white blood cells rushing to the area to try and fight off infection. This is a sign that tells you and your doctor that something is wrong where the pus is located.

Pus is a more common sign in bacterial infections. Your doctor should look for a bacterial infection over a fungal infection for this reason. To add to the confusion, there are diseases that mimic a nail fungus, including hallopeau acrodermatitis, lichen planus, nail bed psoriasis (which can occur in conjunction with fungal infection of the nail), nail bed melanoma, Reiter syndrome, yellow nail syndrome, onycholysis, and paronychia. There are a couple tests that may be necessary to determine the correct course of treatment.

Different forms of onychomycosis require different samples from the affected area. The top of the nail can be scraped and the tip of the nail can be sampled in some cases. In some cases the entire nail will need to be removed entirely. This can be scary, but it helps by allowing the exposed nail bed to be treated.

The nail-cultures test most commonly taken for onychomycosis is the potassium hydroxide wash, which allows for the use of a microscope to search for evidence of fungal growth or fungal culture in the sample. This sample is put in a petri dish where the environment is suitable for new growth, showing what kind of fungal infection it is. With the tests unlikely showing that it is positive for onychomycosis, the leftover nail sample is then pulverized and sent to a pathology lab for analysis. If it is determined that the infection is bacterial, it is sent for a bacterial culture.

It is very important when dealing with a nail infection to find out what kind of infection it is, no matter what kind. These diseases are better looked at by a dermatologist to help rule out serious problems. The dermatologist also would know more about what to do about the infection.

About the Condition Called Hangnails

Hangnails and their Prevention

The hangnail is one of the most common problems with nails. There are a few things you can do to help prevent hangnails from ruining the look of your hands. Hangnails do more than just make our hands look bad; they cause us pain by snagging on anything and everything. Here we will show you some simple solutions to stopping hangnails.

What Is A Hangnail?

The hangnail is caused by extra skin building up around the nail’s base and sides. This extra skin detaches itself from the nail and sticks up. This skin sticking up can be painful while removing, or commonly ripping and biting it off.

What Causes Hangnails?

Dry cuticles are usually the cause of Hangnails. At the base of the nail is the cuticle, which can dry out and break away from the nail causing a hangnail. Biting, picking, and pulling at hangnails tend to make them worse and last longer. The risk of hangnails is increased if the person spends more time with their hands in water.

This causes the skin to get soft, which allows the skin to be more easily damaged. Children are more commonly seen getting hangnails by biting their nails.

How Do I Prevent Hangnails?

The best way to solve the problem is by preventing it before it happens. You can do this by moisturizing the cuticle.

Some Simple Hangnail Prevention Tips:

Avoid biting or ripping off your hangnails. This can cause bleeding and infection. Use a pair of nail scissors and cut the hangnail close to the base to stop deterioration.
Soak your hand in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, dry thoroughly, then apply a moisturizing cream or oil to the skin surrounding the nails.
Don’t bite your nails. This will prevent you from getting hangnails. If you find this difficult, there are products you can get to put on your nails. These products will make the nails taste bad and prevent you from biting your nails.
Wear gloves when using cleaners or when your hands are submerged in water for a really long time.