MissNailPro

Leukonychia Spots

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 appearance as when in the matrix.

Pseudo Leukonychia (no picture available), is another whitening condition that commonly occurs as a result of moisture and oil being repeatedly stripped from the nail plate surface.  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.

Onychoschizia - aka "Splitting" (layering, peeling)

Splitting may be a result of sudden impact or trauma; and can also be caused by extreme dryness.  Regular manicuring and maintenance of the natural nails (AHA Cuticle Eraser, Solar Oil) can help to prevent further splitting of the natural nail.

Ridges

Ridges are 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 help to create a smoother appearance. As a result of normal aging you may also experience brittleness and slower growth.

Onycholysis

Onycholysis occurs as a result of trauma (common: heavy filing, overfiling the natural nail, improper filing techniques), repetitive minor trauma, allergic reaction as a result of overexposure to chemical hazards (commonly MMA) or Irritant contact dermatitis from 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 bed dry.  Avoid exposure to contact irritants and most importantly moisture.  Shorten (clip) the affected portion of the nail, and keep it short.  Wear light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves for wet work.  Do not apply or continue enhancements on nail(s) suffering from onycholysis.

Bitten nails

Bitten nails are usually 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 professional technician with proper training.

Pseudomonas 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).

Acute Paronychia

Paronychia is an often tender infection of inflammation around the base of the nail fold. It can start suddenly (acute paronychia) or gradually (chronic paronychia).

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.

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.

Possible, but unlikely other causes:  lung / heart diseases, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, hypertension, ulcers.

Condition should grow out completely- if not, consult your Doctor/Dermatologist.