Fungal infections of the nail can cause discoloration and abnormal growth

Cause discoloration and abnormal growth, Fungal infections of the nail often cause the end of the nail plate to separate from the nail bed.

Debris (white, green, yellow, or black) may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail bed compltetely. The top of the nail or the skin at the base of the nail can also be affected.

Toe-nails are more prone to fungal infections because they are limited in a warm, moist environment. These make up approximately 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be really difficult to treat.

Candida or yeast infections are common in fingernails, especially if the hands are regularly in water or if the person is suffering from diabetes.

Bacterial Infections cause redness, swelling, and pain of the nail skin folds. The most common cause is trauma to the nail or surrounding skin, as well as frequent exposure to water and chemicals. A green discoloration of the nail is because of infection by a bacterium called pseudomonas.

Nail disorders can affect your ability to pick up small objects, the way we walk, and our sense of touch. Nail problems usually increase throughout life and affect a high number of the elderly.

This is due to the susceptibility of the nail to fungal infections, its increased thickness with age, circulation problems, use of medication and many more.

A Window On Health - Cause discoloration and abnormal growth

A window on health, The nails can reveal much about a person's overall health. Many diseases and serious conditions can be detected by changes in the nails.

Most doctors will check the nails carefully during a physical examination. The most common health conditions and their effect on the nails are:

Liver Diseases -White Nails

Kidney Diseases : Half of nail is pink, half is white
Heart Conditions : Nail bed is red
Lung Diseases : Yellowing and thickening of the nail, slowed growth rate
Anemia : Pale nail beds
Diabetes - Yellowish nails, with a slight blush at the base

Nail Care - Cause discoloration and abnormal growth
Since many nail disorders result from poor nail care, developing good nail habits early will help keep them healthy. Remember the following tips:

Keep nails clean and dry. This helps keep bacteria and other infectious organisms from collecting under the nail.
If toenails are thick and difficult to cut, soak them in warm salt water for five to ten minutes. Apply urea cream, which will soften the nails and make them easier to trim.
Nails should be cut straight across and rounded slightly at the tip for maximum strength. Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Filing the nails into points will weaken them.

Treatment - Nutrition for nails

Nail disorders are difficult to treat and respond very slowly to therapy due to the slow growth rate of the nail and its inability to absorb medications. Surgical treatment is common to remove tumors or treat abnormalities.