Common Nail Infections

Fingernails and toenails can alert you to health problems. While serious issues can show 

themselves through our nails, the common problems and changes we see in our fingernails 

and toenails are minor- and usually preventable or treatable. Here are a few of the most 

commonly seen nail problems, along with what they mean and what can be done. 

Fungus 

 

Fungal infections are one of the most common nail problems seen by dermatologists. The 

nail may also be thick, misshapen or about to fall apart. It may be painful and in severe 

cases, the nail plate may start to lift away from the skin altogether. 

As for treatment, you should see your dermatologist or physician. They may be able to help 

you trim the nail, if needed .There are creams, solutions and oral medications that may be 

prescribed for you. While a fungal infection is being treated, take precautions so as not to 

spread the infection to other nails, or to other people. 

White spot 

If you bump your finger, for example, on a table... you may not even realize you've done it, 

and it may not hurt or show any sign of injury. But the new, developing nail cells underneath 

that skin could have been ever-so-slightly damaged by that bump, and as it grows out, it will 

have a small white spot where that 'trauma' occurred. It's part of the nail plate, so it will grow 

out with the nail, from the cuticle out to the edge, until finally it will grow completely out and 

be gone. 

There's no treatment for these spots, as they don't cause problems and simply grow out with 

the nail. They're very common and mean nothing other than the finger was bumped or 

injured at some point. These spots will stay white- if you see any other discoloration, see a 

doctor as that's not leuconychia. 

Hang Nails 

In most cases, a hang nail occurs when the skin around the nail- which may be at the bottom 

near the cuticle, or at the sides- becomes dry and then tears or splits. Hang nails may be 

caused by dryness, accidentally cutting the cuticle or skin, injury, or even nail biting. It will 

occur more often in people who wash their hands often through the day, especially if they're 

not applying lotion afterwards. 

To prevent hang nails, keep the skin around your nails moisturized with lotion or hand/nail 

cream. If you wash your hands often, reapply lotion. Also, drink your 8-10 glasses of water 

each day, as keeping your skin hydrated from the inside will help it be stronger on the 

outside. 

Ingrown Nails 

Ingrown nails may be caused- or made worse- by cutting toenails too short, wearing shoes 

that are too tight, or even certain digestive problems. 

In more minor cases, there are some things you can do at home to treat ingrown nails. One 

tip is to soak the feet in warm salt water, dry with a towel, apply antiseptic cream and cover 

with a bandage. or soaking and cleaning the toe with sanitizer or antiseptic. To prevent 

ingrown nails make sure your socks, tights or pantyhose aren't too tight around the toes, either. When trimming the toenails, keep the nail of the big toe a bit longer- especially the 

corners. The longer the nail is, the more difficult it is for it to cut back into the toe. 

Overall, make efforts to keep your hands and feet sanitized, moisturized and well-groomed... 

not only for looks, but also for our health.