Why does a child have concave nails on his feet and what to do about it? What is nail dystrophy?

The child has concave nails. What to do?

Healthy normal nails should look like pinkish keratin plates lying tightly in a bed. They are needed to protect the phalanges from various damages. A child’s nails acquire a normal appearance over time.

When a baby is born, the plates on its legs and arms indicate how it developed in the womb. A baby born without pathologies is born with nails almost reaching the fingertips.

The keratin plate on the hands acquires a normal appearance by the age of 4, but on the feet this process is much slower and the normal appearance of the nails is acquired only by the age of 10.

And all because the plates on the legs are much weaker than on the arms, they are easily injured, grow incorrectly and require special care.

The little fingers and thumbs because they experience more stress. This phenomenon of concave nails is called koilonychia. Its presence in preschool children is considered normal, does not require treatment and may be accompanied by the appearance of white spots on the keratin plates. And if an adult has this shape of nails, then this already indicates autoimmune diseases.

Treatment of concave nails in a child

A child has concave nails, how to treat? It is impossible to understand the reason why and what caused the concave nail plate on your own. It is necessary to consult a dermatologist. The doctor will examine the child for abnormalities and, if necessary, prescribe an examination. Pay attention to the following symptoms: if you notice that your child’s nails have changed color or white spots have appeared on them, the nail plate has become thinner, or is peeling, then consult a doctor.

The doctor must give directions for tests. If a fungus is suspected, a doctor should check the condition immune system child.

Once the doctor receives all the test results, he will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. Prescribe vitamins and microelements to your child. And if the cause of this shape of nails is a fungus, then special drugs are already prescribed to combat this disease.

Diseases of the nails, in which their shape and size change, always cause great discomfort in a person and significantly reduce his quality of life. Nails are a mirror that reflects the state of a person’s health, and are often the first to indicate serious diseases of the body. Half of all cases of disease are. At different stages of the development of this disease, changes in the nails are expressed in one form or another and often have great similarities with a number of other diseases. Nails are often affected by lichen planus, psoriasis and eczema.

Nail diseases in some common diseases

Fungal infection (onychomycosis)

With onychomycosis, color changes, shine is lost, stripes and spots appear, and the thickness of the nail plates increases. Over time, nails become deformed, crumble, break, or become detached from the nail bed.

Rice. 1. The photo shows onychomycosis.

Lichen planus

Thinning of the nail plates, changes in their color, delamination at the free edge, separation from the nail bed and damage to the nail folds are the main signs of lichen planus. Nails decrease in size. Often cracks and ribbing appear on their surface. The causes of lichen planus have not yet been established. The development of the pathological process is influenced by many factors.

Rice. 2. The photo shows lichen planus.

Psoriasis

The causes of psoriasis have not yet been established. The disease is considered multifactorial. There is no doubt that changes in the immune system play a large role in the development of the disease. Nail plates with psoriasis change long before the appearance of the main manifestations of the disease - psoriatic plaques on the skin. The more the matrix is ​​involved in the pathological process, the more pronounced it is.

The main manifestations of psoriatic lesions in primary psoriasis: pinpoint depressions and weariness, separation from the nail bed, the appearance of smoky lines, increasing dryness of the nails, their fragility, the development of subungual keratosis.
In the secondary form of the disease, the nail plates change shape, scales and deep grooves appear on their surface, the color changes, and delamination and peeling are often observed.

Rice. 3. The photo shows nails with psoriasis.

Eczema

Eczema, like lichen planus and psoriasis, is a multifactorial disease. When diseased, the nail plate changes its shape and splits. Its surface is dull and rough, streaked with transverse grooves. The degree of damage to the nail matrix affects the thickness of the nail itself. Frequent inflammation leads to the fact that the nail skin disappears, cracks and wounds appear.

A person's hands can tell a lot.

Nails can tell about a person’s health, diseases and problems.

Nail plates protect the soft tissues of the fingers; they can also indicate all sorts of disturbances in the functioning of internal organs and systems.

By promptly paying attention to changes in the nail, you can prevent many diseases and eliminate them in time.

Introduction to Fingernail Deformity

A person’s nail plates are a kind of indicator of his health, so we must not forget about their care and hygiene.

Deformation of nails speaks volumes about many things - diseases of internal organs, disturbances in the functioning of the main systems of the body.

There are several main causes of deformation, in addition to diseases: mechanical injuries; anemia;

chemotherapy; excessive use of antibiotics;

bacterial infections and nail fungus; psoriasis; hereditary predisposition.

Based on the shape of the deformation, the causes of the problem can be determined.

Types of deformation of the nail plate

Nail deformation can look different and the causes can be determined by its appearance.

If wavy grooves appear on the nail, this may indicate poor nutrition or a strict diet. Such nails may also indicate psychological disorders and frequent stress. “Waves” on the nails can also be a hereditary feature of a person.

If small pits appear on the nail, this primarily indicates a lack of calcium in the body. It is worth reviewing your diet, adding healthy foods, eating more fresh vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.

Stripes running across the nail indicate insufficient nutrition, a very strict diet. Such appearance nail may indicate trophic disorders.

If the human body does not have enough vitamins and calcium, nails may crumble and split. Anemia and disorders of the thyroid gland will lead to the same results.

Nails can also become deformed due to mechanical trauma and damage.

In case of injury nail plate Normal growth and formation of the nail may be disrupted, thickness decreases, and curvature appears.

A common cause of deformation of fingernails is. You can become infected with this disease anywhere - in in public places, beaches, shower, manicure or beauty salon.

The fungus can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person, so be careful!

Changes in the structure of the nail can also be caused by prolonged and constant exposure to chemicals and harmful substances.

People of certain professions are susceptible to such deformation - hairdressers, dishwashers, cleaners.

Allergies to gel polishes have become very common lately, as this type of manicure has become widespread recently.

Nail deformation can also be congenital, but such cases are rare. A similar problem is associated with defects of the ectoderm, with which, when intrauterine development The nail bed and plates begin to form.

Pathology of fingernail shape

This or that nail deformation cannot 100% indicate the presence of a disease, but it is worth paying attention to it and be sure to consult a doctor for a full examination.

Changes in the nail plate may indicate the following pathologies:

The plate has the shape of a convex ball.

Such a deformation of character for pulmonary osteoarthropathy, tuberculosis, lung cancer, heart disease, endocarditis, cirrhosis of the liver.

In rare cases, such nails may be a congenital feature of a person and are in no way associated with diseases.

Bird's claw deformity- nail plates thicken and bend. The nails may take on a spiral shape and the color varies from yellow to brown.

This pathology can develop after blows and injuries, burns, frostbite.

Occurs in old age and after generalized candidiasis.

Koilonychia- the nail takes on a spoon-shaped shape, the surface is concave, the structure and thickness remain unchanged.

This pathology occurs with prolonged exposure to acids and alkalis on the nail plate, as a result of injuries and damage.

Koilonychia can be caused by anemia, typhus, and Addison's disease.

Platonychia- the nail plate is flat.

This pathology is often congenital, but in rare cases it can arise as a result of exposure to occupational factors (chemicals).

Transverse grooves- appear after illnesses - influenza, jaundice, anorexia.

A similar “pattern” on the nails may indicate an incorrect and unbalanced diet, a lack of vitamins and nutrients.

Point deformation- appears with eczema, psoriasis, pulmonary tuberculosis.

Leukonychia- appearance of white spots.

May indicate malnutrition, as well as kidney disease.

Vitamins and changes in the nail plate

Deformation of nails can also occur due to the banal reason of a lack of vitamins. The correct structure of nails is ensured by the presence of iron in the body in sufficient quantities. A deficiency can cause deformation.

Iron is found in sufficient quantities in the following foods:

• meat and poultry;
• liver;
• fish (tuna);
• legumes;
• cabbage and zucchini;
• fruits.

Remember that the diet should be balanced; iron is absorbed better with foods that contain vitamin C and fluoride.

Lack of sulfur in the body can also lead to nail problems. Eat cabbage, onions, garlic, and porridge. If necessary, you can purchase vitamin complexes at the pharmacy that will help provide the body with the necessary vitamins and microelements.

Diagnosis of deformation of your nails

When the first signs of nail deformation appear, you should contact a specialist and undergo an examination. Initially, you should establish the causes of the problem and eliminate them. Contact a dermatologist or specialist (podiatrist, mycologist). The doctor visually assesses the condition of the nails; if necessary, microscopy and spectral analysis can be prescribed. It is possible that the patient will need consultation from other specialists - a surgeon, cardiologist or others.

Nail treatment is carried out on an individual basis; depending on the disease, medications or medical procedures are prescribed. Nail treatment does not go away quickly. The causes of the problem are eliminated, you need to wait until a new and healthy plate grows. It is much easier to prevent deformation than to deal with complex and lengthy treatment afterwards.

Prevention of hand nails

Healthy and beautiful nails look attractive. In order for the nail plate to grow smooth and healthy, you need to carefully review your diet. Give preference to healthy foods, fruits and fresh vegetables. You should not get carried away with diets and severely restrict yourself in nutrition, this approach is harmful to your health and beauty.

You need to take care of your nails correctly. If possible, the manicure procedure should be trusted to professionals. In the salons you can use services such as paraffin therapy, massage, and hardware manicure.

At home, you can make nail baths with herbal decoctions, sea salt or other beneficial ingredients. Take mineral and vitamin complexes; during nail treatment, you should avoid decorative varnishes, nail extensions and polishing.

If you work in a hazardous industry, constantly come into contact with harmful chemicals and drugs, do not forget to use protective gloves.

Treatment at home

Self-medication is under no circumstances recommended! Remember that nail deformation can be just a symptom of a dangerous disease, so you should urgently consult a specialist and undergo an examination.

If nail deformation is associated specifically with aesthetic problems, then in this case you can help at home. Do it, you can add it to the water sea ​​salt, soda, essential oils, herbs. Such procedures improve blood circulation, provide good growth nails You can use special medicinal varnishes.

During treatment, you should not get carried away with decorative nail polishes; they do not hide, but only emphasize, imperfections. Women should also remember that nail extensions also lead to deformation of the plate and subsequent problems. You shouldn’t get carried away with polishing your nails; many people think that such a procedure will help straighten out a deformed nail faster. You can polish, but not more than once a month.

Advice from professional masters for deformed nails

To help with treatment and get rid of the problem faster, professionals give several recommendations for:

• take regular salt and paraffin baths;
• lubricate your nails with lemon juice;
• take calcium supplements;
• do not forget to use special hand creams and balms;
• treat with caution home manicure, avoid using too sharp tools, they may damage the plate.

Nails are a reflection of our health. You should not self-medicate or take any measures until you find the real reason Problems. Do not forget that any self-medication, even seemingly absolutely harmless, may not only not bring the desired results. positive results, but will also harm your nails and the health of the body as a whole.

Nail dystrophy is a pathological process characteristic manifestations which are a modification of the shape and structure of the plates or periungual ridges. The disease is of non-fungal origin and is diagnosed on average in 3-4% of the population. The development of dystrophy on the nails can be facilitated by a variety of infections, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, diseases of the circulatory system and heart.

The main causes of the disease in adults

Dystrophy of the nail plate is a problem that can affect every person. City dwellers are most exposed to its influence. The formation of white spots, brittleness of nails, and their separation are symptoms of dystrophy, which has a large number of root causes and varieties. Localization of the disease can be observed on the arms and legs. The most common causes of nail dystrophy in adults include:

• poor environmental background, manifested in air pollution, poor quality drinking water;
• avitaminosis – lack of vitamins due to poor nutrition;
• injuries to fingers and toes;
• eczema or psoriasis;
• fungal diseases affecting the horny tissue of the nails;
• weak immunity that occurs against a background of constant stress, inadequate rest, and prolonged infectious diseases;
• disorders endocrine system;
• cardiovascular pathologies leading to poor circulation and, as a result, weakening of the nail plate.

Why does nail dystrophy develop in children?

The causes of such nail damage in adults and children are almost the same. Often this condition is caused by low immunity, frequent chemical, and traumatic effects on the nails. The appearance of longitudinal and transverse grooves on the nails may indicate congenital pathology and skin diseases. The following reasons for the formation of this disease in children are identified:

• improper care;
• injuries;
• malnutrition;
• transferred infectious diseases;
• chronic diseases of internal organs;
• psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema contribute to the formation of a secondary form of dystrophy.

The most common types of nail plate dystrophy

This pathology can be presented in various forms, each of which has its own characteristic symptoms and also requires specific treatment. Only an experienced specialist can recognize the type of nail dystrophy. Based on this, he will prescribe effective therapy. There are several types of pathology:

• median channel-shaped;
• Bo's furrow;
• hapalochinia;
• onychorrhexis.

Median canal dystrophy

This type of dystrophy is characterized by the presence on the nails of a wavy surface, a transverse arcuate depression that looks like a groove or groove, the width of which is up to 4 mm. The plates resemble a forked washboard. Small erosions, peeling, and scratching may form near the rollers. This dystrophy is diagnosed in people experiencing constant nervous and mental disorders. Therapeutic measures include psychological conversations, the use of sedative herbal medicines, tranquilizers.

Furrows Bo

This type of dystrophy is more common than others. With this disease, a transverse groove forms on the nail. It crosses the surface of the nail plate from one side fold to the other. The Bo furrow is characterized by the presence of a slightly raised ridge along one edge. Frequent causes of this pathology are an inflammatory process, injury to the nail fold, or damage to the skin during a manicure. The damaged area may be divided into two halves. As a result, contact between the free part of the nail bed and the plate is lost, but nail growth continues.

Gapalonychia

For of this type dystrophy is characterized by such manifestations as softening of the nail plate, thinness, layering and fragility. The main reasons for the formation of hapalonychia are pathological processes during internal organs. Treatment of such a disease is aimed, first of all, at stopping the cause, and then at eliminating the resulting external signs.

Onychorrhexis

The pathological process called “onychorrhexis” ranks second in the ranking of the most common diseases of the nail plate. It is characterized by the formation of a crack in the longitudinal direction from the free edge. The result of this process is the delamination of the nail, its fragility. In addition, air accumulates under the nail. This is a common cause of onychorrhexis. The main factors in the development of this pathology include:

• eczema;
• lichen;
• varicose veins;
• endocrine disorders;
• avitaminosis;
• cholelithiasis;
• fungal diseases.

How to treat nail dystrophy at home

Treatment of nail dystrophy on the fingers and toes should be agreed with a doctor. He is obliged to take into account all the characteristics of the patient’s body. Therapy for such a disease always has an integrated approach and is aimed at determining the cause of the pathology and its relief, regenerating the trophism of the nail and tissues around it. It includes the use of ointments, drugs, folk recipes or surgical intervention.

Treatment with medications

Treatment of dystrophic changes in the nail plates with the help of medications involves the use of two groups of medications: sedatives and drugs that block the sympathetic nervous system. Only it sends impulses to the sweat glands. Sweating plays a major role in the body's thermoregulation. With frequent sweating, local swelling of the skin occurs, for example, around the fingers. The result of this process can be dystrophy of the nail plate.

Therapy for such a pathology should take place directly under the guidance of a doctor, because many of the available drugs have contraindications and side effects. The following medications will help eliminate all manifestations of dystrophy:

• Valerian, motherwort can be prescribed in the form of medicine, herbal preparations or homeopathic preparations.
• During the initial development of the disease, antiperspirants are used (medicines actively used to treat conditions associated with anxiety, bad mood, apathy, emotional stress, melancholy). Their action is aimed at narrowing the channels through which sweat penetrates the skin. The result of this treatment of fingernails and toenails is the normalization of sweating.
• Angioprotective (vascular protective) drugs. They help improve microcirculation in the tissues of the hands and feet. Effective drugs Such actions are Detralex, Endotelon.

• Mineral and vitamin complexes to increase the body’s content of vitamins B, A, E, sulfur, selenium, calcium.

Folk remedies

Treatment nail dystrophy may include traditional methods. They are used primarily as adjunctive therapy. Thanks to local use traditional medicine possible for short term restore damaged nails, normalize nutrition of periungual tissues. Treatment of nail plate dystrophy with folk remedies includes the following recipes:

1. Iodine. Treat your nails with 5% iodine tincture 2 times a day. The duration of therapy is 10 days, then a break for 2 days, and then repeat the course again.
2. Propolis. Use a 20% tincture for compresses at night. During application, you must avoid getting the product on the skin, otherwise it will cause a burn. Number of procedures – 2-3.
3. Baths. Render good effect with deformation of nails. Sea salt is used to prepare baths. A tablespoon of the substance is diluted in a glass of warm water, and then poured into a container and immersed in the solution for 10-15 minutes. After the procedure, they must be dried with a soft towel and natural wax rubbed into the skin.

Photo of nail dystrophy on the hands and feet

Dystrophy of the nail plate in the photo below is a pathology that not only disrupts the growth and shape of nails, but also spoils their appearance. Only the use of comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic measures will help restore former beauty nails But there are cases when the only way to eliminate the pathology is surgery. The following photos will help you better imagine the forms of this disease.

Nail deformation is a fairly common pathology that occurs on the hands and feet and is detected in both adults and children. Often this phenomenon is not simply cosmetic defect, but also a sign of any disease. Why do nails begin to deform and how can you return them to their original natural shape?

Who is more likely to have pathology?

Common problems that can cause concern include thickening, curvature, and abnormal growth of the nail plates. Often the deformation of the toenail concerns thumb or little finger.

According to statistics, nail problems are of more concern to women, since they are the ones who more often seek advice from specialists with this problem. Men are not particularly in a hurry to see a doctor, resorting to medical care only if the pathology begins to cause discomfort, discomfort or other symptoms of illness appear. Children most often suffer from congenital nail dystrophy, less often it occurs due to injury or disease.

Deformation factors

In normal condition, nails are smooth, pink, and shiny. But if the surface of the nail plate is rough, there are growths or grooves, the color changes to yellow, separation and brittleness are observed, then not everything is in order with them.

Changes often result from improper care or lack thereof. If you do not remove dirt from under your nails or fanatically scrape them off, causing injury to the skin, then in both situations microbes appear, the activity of which becomes the cause of degenerative changes.

Deformation may be associated with frequent use of products household chemicals without using gloves. The aggressive action of chemicals negatively affects the condition of the skin and nails.

Nail plates can become bent due to injuries. On the feet, the injury most often affects the big toe. Among common reasons This phenomenon can be safely noted by wearing uncomfortable, tight shoes. If at first a person simply feels discomfort and the nail feels excessive pressure, then later the disease develops - onychogryphosis.

If you are constantly worried about deformation of your fingernails, the reasons may be professional in nature. Hairdressers, cleaners, dishwashers and representatives of other professions that involve contact with chemicals often suffer from this pathology.

The appearance of the nail plate may deteriorate after numerous extension procedures, frequent decoration with products containing harmful components, especially formaldehyde. Similar photos of damaged nails can be found on the Internet; they warn against the use of dubious decorative cosmetics.

Their condition may be negatively affected by taking certain medications, such as antibacterial drugs, or chemotherapy courses. Peeling and crumbling nails are a sign of a lack of vitamin and mineral components in the body.

What ailments can cause the structure to change?

Curvature, discoloration and other disturbances in the structure of the nail plate often have more serious causes associated with a painful condition:

1. Diseases caused by fungus. Because of them, such deformation of toenails most often occurs. In this case, the plate thickens and yellowness appears on the surface.
2. Somatic diseases. Sometimes a doctor, looking at a patient’s nails, can tell about disorders occurring in the body:

• hyperemia of the nail bed indicates heart disease - in this case it is necessary mandatory consultation cardiologist;
• yellowing of the surface occurs with pulmonary diseases;
• nails turn white in the presence of an anemic condition - it is advisable to take a test to determine the level of hemoglobin;
• yellow nails with a bluish tint are a sign of diabetes;
• whitish spots are a signal of liver dysfunction; with significant liver damage, half of the nail turns white.

Additional changes

Deformation may occur as a result of the following problems:

1. Onychogryphosis. As already noted, the cause of the disease is improperly selected shoes. The pathology is accompanied by curvature, thickening of the nail plate, and disruption of normal growth. At an advanced stage, it is recommended to completely remove the nail along with the root.
2. Pathologies of genetic origin. In some of them, pronounced dystrophic changes in the plate and bed are observed.
3. Hypertrophic change in the cuticle (pterygia). The disease is diagnosed quite often, its main symptom is fast growth cuticles. As the disease progresses, it can spread to the entire surface of the nail plate.
4. Dermatological diseases. There is a form of nail psoriasis in which the structure and shape of the nails changes. Various images appear on their surface in the form of dots, transverse lines, inclusions and spots. The skin in the area of ​​the roller thickens, and the nail itself becomes thicker, it splits and becomes more brittle.
5. Trophic changes in the nail plates can occur against the background of dyshidrotic eczema, in this case thick areas suffer skin- feet, palms, they become covered with papules, which are subsequently covered with purulent-serous crusts.
6. Infections caused by bacteria. A common cause of dystrophic lesions of the toenails. The deformed nail begins to bother you; there is swelling and redness around it. In some situations, suppuration appears, although the disease can develop without this symptom.
7. Congenital pathology. Many parents face this problem: their child’s nails have been deformed since birth. They may grow incorrectly, have a concave shape, and even be ingrown. Such phenomena most often normalize over time; in some cases, taking vitamin supplements is required. The pediatrician gives recommendations for caring for problem nails.

These are not all the reasons, and each case requires individual consideration. The doctor can identify what triggered the changes and what their causes are, and only he can prescribe treatment.

Forms of deformation

There is a classification of dystrophic changes, according to which all pathologies have their own characteristics and arise due to certain reasons:

1. The nails that make the fingers look like drumsticks (they are also called “Hippocratic nails”) have a convex, thickened surface.
2. Problems are identified in patients with cardiovascular diseases, endocarditis, tuberculosis or lung cancer, in the presence of circulatory disorders in the extremities, damage to kidney or liver tissue and other pathological conditions.
3. A deformity called bird's claw or onychogryphosis, the deformed nail becomes significantly thicker and curved. The change also affects the color of the nail plate - it may become yellowish, dirty gray or even black.

Fans of uncomfortable, narrow shoes and older people may encounter a similar problem. Onychogryphosis can develop as a result of thermal exposure - frostbite or burns, against the background of diseases such as generalized candidiasis or onychomycosis.

Platonychia is a dystrophic change in the shape of the nail plate, which loses its convex shape and becomes flattened. This phenomenon is considered a developmental anomaly and comes in two types:

• congenital (primary) - can affect either one plate or several;
• acquired - occurs under the influence external factors(long-term injury, exposure to harmful conditions) or due to existing concomitant diseases, such as liver cirrhosis, eczema, psoriasis, the damage spreads to all nails.

Koilonychia - with this pathological condition the nails become concave, spoon-like, but the structure and thickness remain the same. This occurs due to mechanical or chemical trauma, various diseases - Addison's, typhoid fever, iron deficiency anemia. Koilonychia can be hereditary.

Beau-Reil's lines are transverse grooves. Their depth is related to how damaged the nail plate matrix is. The nail plates become wavy. But the color of the damage does not differ from the shade of the rest of the nail. The appearance of this deformation is associated with a disruption of metabolic processes in the body. But it can also manifest itself due to the influence of diseases, injuries or ineptly performed manicure procedures.

Other types of deformities

Longitudinal (vertical) grooves - they can be different, depending on the cause of their occurrence. If they form in an elderly person, they are not considered a pathology and are associated with age-related degenerative changes. They can appear due to injury to the nail, gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, skin ailments. Narrow grooves may indicate damage to the spinal cord or nervous system. Severely protruding deformation can occur due to a lack of iron and vitamin B12.

Point deformation of the nail plate - similar pathological change The shape of the nail is called “thimble”, since when it occurs, the surface is covered with multiple pinpoint pits. At the bottom of the indentations, the nail peels off, but this does not affect its surface.

Most often, the deformity appears in people suffering from psoriasis. It can occur with eczema, rheumatism, pulmonary tuberculosis, syphilis and other diseases. There are rare cases when nails change in this way in healthy people.

It is not always possible to avoid deformation of the nail plate, but in most cases it is still possible. To do this, you should undergo timely examinations and treat existing diseases. In addition, it is important to monitor personal hygiene, avoid infection with fungus, and take care of the condition of your nails. Shoes should be comfortable and cosmetic procedures carried out by specialists.