These white spots are very common, and are most often created due to trauma to the matrix. The injury to the matrix may not necessarily cause pain, however prevents the nail cells from flattening; in which case they retain the same whitish appearance as when in the matrix. Leukonychia spots normally grow out.
Pseudo Leukonychia
Pseudo Leukonychia is another whitening condition that commonly occurs as a result of moisture and oil being repeatedly stripped from the nail plate surface (frequent removal of nail enamel). The upper- most cells of the nail plate develop a white, flaky, dry appearance. Most often, applying Solar Oil into the nail plate will quickly replenish the missing oil and the whiteness may disappear.
Splinter Hemorrhage
Splinter Hemorrhages are usually caused by physical trauma. Under the nail plate, the nail bed contains millions of microscopic blood vessels which carry nutrients & oxygen to the nail bed, as well as remove toxins. When the nail plate is traumatized (damaged by impact), the blood vessels leak blood into the nail bed tissue- staining the nail bed in a vertical direction.
The greater the trauma, the greater the bleeding. The blood stain may last longer after the trauma has healed.
In addition to physical trauma (impact), heavy/aggressive filing, drilling, and improper enhancement removal can cause this condition.
Onychoschizia
Splitting / Layering / Peeling This condition may be a result of sudden impact or trauma; however is usually caused by extreme dryness. Regular manicuring and maintenance of the natural nails (Cuticle Eraser, Solar Oil) can help to prevent further splitting of the natural nail.
Bruised Nail
A bruised nail is commonly caused by trauma to the nail which results in blood forming under the nail plate. Coloration may vary from maroon to black. In some instances, a bruised nail will cause the nail plate to detach from the nail bed (onycholysis-see below), and the nail plate may actually fall off. In severe cases, it may be beneficial for a Doctor to release the pressure build-up caused by excessive bleeding under the nail plate. In severe cases, a doctor may need to release the pressure built up under the nail plate caused by excessive bleeding.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis - separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. It usually occurs as a result of trauma (common: heavy filing, overfiling the natural nail, improper filing techniques), repetitive minor trauma (common: guitar picking, etc), allergic reaction as a result of overexposure to chemical hazards (commonly MMA) or Irritant contact dermatitis- a result of prolonged immersion of nails in water.
Treatment for onycholysis varies and depends on its cause. Eliminating the predisposing cause is the best treatment. Avoid trauma to the affected nail, and keep the nail dry. Avoid exposure to contact irritants (household cleaners, etc), and most importantly water.
Shorten (carefully 'clip') the affected portion of the nail, and keep it short. Wear light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves for wet work.
If enhancements are worn, keep length short, and watch carefully as condition may progress.
Ridges
Ridges are commonly a normal sign of aging in the nail plate. Small ridges that run from the free edge to the cuticle area are completely normal. Light buffing of the ridges may reduce their appearance, however it is important not to overly thin the nail plate. Ridge filling base coats (Ridge Out) help to create a smoother appearance. As a result of normal aging you may also experience brittleness and slower growth.
Bitten Nails
Bitten nails are a result of a (usually nervous) habit- sometimes even without being aware of doing so. Regular manicures can help to heal the (usual) splitting nails and dry skin. Bitten nails can be enhanced by a nail professional with proper training.
Acute paronychia
Acute paronychia develops over a few hours when a nail fold becomes painful, red and swollen. Yellow pus may appear under the cuticle. In some cases fever and painful glands under the arms accompany a particularly severe case of acute paronychia. It is usually due to "Staph" bacteria germs. Mild cases can be treated with soaks and antibiotic cream, but most cases are treated with oral antibiotics. Sometimes an abscess (a pocket of trapped pus) forms and has to be lanced. Acute paronychia usually clears completely in a few days, and it only rarely happens repeatedly.
Inverse pterygium
Inverse pterygium is seen under the free edge of the nail plate. The skin on the tip of the finger remains attached to the underside of the nail plate, and stretches along as the nail grows.
This condition may be painful and bleeding usually occurs if attempts to cut the skin away are made. This may be an inherited condition, or a result of trauma, allergic reaction, or by aggressive cleaning under the nail.
Dorsal Pterygium When pterygium is found on top of the nail plate, it is called dorsal pterygium. It is rarely inherited, and most commonly a result of severe trauma (ie: burns), and blood circulation disorders.
Either form of pterygium should be avoided by nail professionals- do not cut, file or buff- always refer to a Dermatologist.
Dorsal Pterygium
bacterial infection
Pseudomonas bacterial infection can occur between the natural nail plate and the nail bed, and/or between an artificial nail coating and the natural nail plate. Many people have been led to believe that the classic 'green' discoloration of this type of infection is some type of mold or fungus*. In actuality, mold is not a human pathogen. The discoloration is simply a by-product of the infection and is caused primarily by iron compounds. Pseudomonas thrive in moist places; it feeds off the dead tissue and bacteria in the nail plate, while the moisture levels allow it to grow. The after effects of this infection will cause the nail plate to darken and soften underneath an artificial coating. The darker the discoloration, the deeper into the nail plate layers the bacteria has traveled. If the bacteria has entered between the nail plate and the nail bed, it will cause the same discolorations and may also cause the nail plate to lift from the nail bed.
*Fungal infections of the fingernails are rare; do not fall into the misconception that a discoloration is 'fungus'. The ONLY way to know if an infection is a fungal infection is to have a Doctor or Dermatologist perform a culture of the infection (sample of the infected tissue), and usually the diagnosis takes a few days (same as when you have a throat culture to determine actual 'strep throat'; however the fungal culture may take longer to determine, diagnose, and treatment options).
The Matrix™ Salon 189 Rear Main Street Wareham, MA 02571 (508) 295-2011
