Beau’s lines are horizontal grooves or ridges across the nail plate, caused by a temporary halt in nail growth.

Common Causes:

• High fever (e.g., dengue, typhoid)

• Severe illness or chemotherapy

• Trauma or malnutrition

Treatment Includes:

• Identifying and treating the underlying cause

• Supplementation (biotin, zinc, iron) if needed

• Hydration and cuticle care to encourage smooth regrowth

These lines grow out naturally over months, but ongoing recurrence requires further medical evaluation.

Fungal infections affect both fingernails and toenails, making them:

• Discolored (yellow, white, brown)

• Thick, brittle, crumbly, or warped

• Difficult to cut or keep clean

Causes:

• Wearing closed shoes for long hours

• Excessive sweating or walking barefoot in public areas

• Diabetes or low immunity

Treatment Includes:

• Topical antifungal solutions for mild infections

• Oral antifungals (e.g., terbinafine or itraconazole) for severe or deep infections

• Laser nail therapy to destroy fungal spores

• Debridement (trimming/thinning of thick nails) for better drug penetration

Treatment requires patience and consistency, often lasting 3–6 months, but results are long-term and effective.

An ingrown nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing:

• Redness and tenderness

• Swelling or pus discharge

• Difficulty in walking (especially big toes)

Causes:

• Improper nail trimming

• Tight shoes

• Nail trauma or genetic nail shape

Treatment Options:

• Nail lifting and cotton packing (early stage)

• Antibiotics for infected ingrown nails

• Partial nail avulsion (removal) under local anesthesia

• Matrixectomy to permanently stop a small part of the nail from growing back in chronic cases

Prevention:
Cut nails straight across and avoid digging into corners. Wear breathable, well-fitted shoes.

Nail avulsion is the partial or complete removal of the nail when it's:

• Severely infected

• Deformed or ingrown

• Affected by repeated fungal or trauma issues

Procedure Overview:

• Done under local anesthesia

• Nail is carefully separated and removed

• Antibiotic dressing applied to prevent infection

• Regrowth usually takes 6–9 months for fingernails, 12+ months for toenails

In some cases, matrixectomy (removal of nail root) may be done to prevent regrowth if the nail is permanently damaged.

Post-care:

• Keep dry and clean

• Avoid tight footwear

• Follow-up for wound care

This is a safe and effective solution for chronic or painful nail issues.

Though rare, melanoma can appear under the nail and is a serious condition.

Warning Signs:

• Dark brown or black streaks under the nail

• Pigmentation spreading to surrounding skin (Hutchinson's sign)

• Nail distortion, bleeding, or ulceration

Diagnosis & Treatment:

• Urgent biopsy to confirm diagnosis

• Referral to oncology/surgical excision if cancer is confirmed

• Regular nail checks for those with family history or high sun exposure

Never ignore a persistent dark line or patch under the nail—early detection can save lives.

Psoriasis can affect the nails, often along with skin lesions. Signs include:

• Pitting (tiny holes in the nail surface)

• Thickened or discolored nails

• Separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)

Treatment Options:

• Topical corticosteroids or vitamin D creams

• Intralesional steroid injections (for severe nail involvement)

• Systemic medications or biologics if skin and joint psoriasis are also present

• Light therapy (PUVA or narrowband UVB) in selected cases

Nail psoriasis is chronic, but with regular care, damage can be minimized and function restored.

This is a condition where the nail lifts or separates from the nail bed, leaving a gap between nail and skin.

Causes:

• Psoriasis, fungal infections

• Thyroid disorders

• Nail trauma or chemical exposure (nail polish remover, detergents)

Treatment:

• Avoiding water exposure and trauma

• Antifungals or topical steroids depending on the root cause

• Protective nail dressings or bandages to prevent injury

• Treating underlying thyroid or systemic illness

Early treatment prevents infection and helps the nail reattach properly over time.

Paronychia is the infection of skin around the nail, which can be acute (sudden) or chronic.

Symptoms:

• Swollen, red, painful nail folds

• Pus formation in acute cases

• Skin peeling or thickening around the nail in chronic cases

Causes:

• Nail biting or cuticle damage

• Frequent exposure to water, soap, or chemicals

• Fungal infections (in chronic cases)

Treatment Options:

• Drainage and oral antibiotics for acute bacterial cases

• Antifungal creams and barrier ointments for chronic infections

• Avoiding wet work and using gloves

Early management prevents long-term nail deformity.