What is onychorrhexis of the nails?

Our toenails may be known as the mirrors of your overall health because a great number of medical problems can impact the well being and appearance with the toenails. These toenails can be influenced by local problems as well as by systemic problems. The local concerns might be injury to the nail, an ingrown toenail or possibly a corn that develops within the side of the toenail edge. Systemic issues can be poor blood flow, and joint disease problems or possibly a lack of some nutritional requirements – all of these types of problems can affect the appearance of the nail. You will discover a wide range of health problems that causes a wide range of distinct toe nail conditions.

One of those such nail issues is a problem called onychorrhexis. The name comes from the Greek phrases, ónycho- and that is for “nail” and rhexis meaning “bursting”. Onychorrhexis appears as longitudinal ridging having superficial multiple striations or groves that has ridges which affect the top levels of the toenail plate. There is often some chipping with the distal or free end of the nail plate as a result of fragility of the toe nail. Onychorrhexis can be a normal part of getting older and it is quite common in older persons and in these types of situations the appearance is usually of no implications. While it is connected with getting older, it could be associated with an underpinning medical condition. Just how bad the longitudinal ridging can be would be determined by the amount of damage is done to the toe nail matrix within the bottom of the toe nail exactly where it will grow from by the underlying medical problem that is causing this. Onychorrhexis is not painful however because of the ridging this cracking on the distal end of the toe nail can lead to cracks in the toe nail that might turn out to be painful. Several of the health concerns which can lead to the nail to go similar to this include lichen planus, psoriasis; iron-deficiency anaemia, poor circulation, rheumatism, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, pityriasis rubra pilaris, zinc deficit and a toenail problem known as trachyonychia. Picking at the toenails or toenail biting can lead to it and also could the consistent use of toe nail polish cleaner be also an issue. A tinea infection with the nail also can offer a very much the same appearance.

The treatment of onychorrhexis is typically not needed because there is very little that you can do as a result of it being a regular part of aging. There can be a bit of improvement in the overall look of the toe nail with the management of the underpinning or related disorder if that's the reason for the appearance of the toe nail. It really is important to take proper care of the toenails with frequent trimming of the toenails. If the amount of the distal end of the toe nail is kept low and the toe nail maintained short, it is not as likely that this free or distal end of the toe nail will chip or split. All problems that might happen with the toe nail can be resulting from local issues or systemic medical conditions. It is crucial that the reason for the problem is determined so the appropriate therapy may be given.

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