Due to their exposed location, nails take a lot of abuse. Nail disorders comprise about 10 percent of all skin conditions.

Most of us, at one time or another, have closed fingers in doors, suffered from ingrown toenails or endured minor nail infections. Most minor nail injuries heal on their own in time – although they might be unsightly for a while due to the nail’s slow growth rate. More serious injuries or disorders may require professional treatment. Symptoms that could signal nail problems include color or shape changes, swelling of the skin around the nails and pain.

Additionally, the persistence of white lines, dents or ridges in the nail  should be reported to a dermatologist.

White Spots
White spots on the nails are very common and usually recur. These small, semi-circular spots result from injury to the base (matrix) of the nail, where nail cells are produced. They are not cause for concern and will eventually grow out. Sometimes toenail injuries result from poor fitting shoes and athletic activity.

Splinter Hemorrhages
A disruption of blood vessels in the nail bed can cause fine, splinter-like vertical lines to appear under the nail plate. Splinter hemorrhages are caused by injury to the nail or by certain drugs and diseases. However, trauma is the most common cause.

Ingrown nails
Ingrown toenails are a common nail problem. The nails on the big toes, called the great toenails, are particularly involved. Improper nail trimming, tight shoes and/or poor stance can cause a corner of the nail to curve downward into the skin. Ingrown nails can be painful and sometimes even lead to infection. Seek treatment for the condition rather than attempting to cut away the nail yourself, as infection may result.

Fungal Infections
Fungal infections makeup approximately 50 percent of all nail disorders and can be difficult to treat. More common in toenails than fingernails, they often cause the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed. Additionally, debris – white, green, yellow or black – may build up under the nail plate and discolor the nail bed. The top of the nail or the skin at the base of the nail can also be affected. Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections because they are confined in a warm, moist environment.

Bacterial Infections
Redness, swelling and pain of the nail skin folds often indicate a bacterial infection. The most common cause is trauma to the nail or surrounding skin or frequent exposure to water and chemicals.

Tumors/Warts
Tumors and warts can be found in any portion of the nail. However, the nail plate could change shape or even be destroyed as a result of tumor or wart growth. Tumors of the nail are classified as cancerous or non-cancerous (benign). The most common non-cancerous tumors are warts, viral infections that affect the skin surrounding or underneath the nail. They are painful and can sometimes cause limited use of the affected finger or toe. Treatment is easier and usually involves freezing or chemical application for removal. If the wart or tumor extends into the nail folds or is located under the nail plate itself, surgery may be necessary to remove it.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches. Ten to 50 percent of people with psoriasis and 80 percent of people who suffer from inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis also have nail problems. The most common signs include pitting, rippling or discoloration of the nail, reddish-brown discoloration of the skin under the nail, separation of the nail from the nail bed, splinter hemorrhages, crumbling and/or splitting of the nail, as well as swelling and redness of the skin surrounding the base of the nail. The signs of psoriatic nail are most noticeable on the fingernails.

A Hard Habit To Break
Nail biting is a common problem, especially among young children. While the habit is typically outgrown with age, it has been linked to anxiety or boredom with older children and adults.

Not only does nail biting ruin the look of the nails, it is also a good way to transfer infectious organisms from the fingers to the mouth and vice versa. Nail biting can also damage the skin surrounding the fingers, allowing infections to enter and spread. The best way to break the habit? Many people are cured by applying bad tasting nail polishes or liquids to the nail. A dermatologist can recommend additional treatments, if necessary.

Nail disorders can affect our ability to pick up small objects, the way we walk and our sense of touch. Infrequent in children, 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 and the regular use of medications.

In general, nail disorders respond very slowly to therapy due to the slow growth rate of the nail and its inability to absorb medications very well. Treatments are defined generally as surgical or non-surgical. Surgical treatment is common to remove tumors or correct structural abnormalities. Non-surgical treatments include the use of topical or oral medications.