Nail conditions, white spots, ingrown toenail

Medical terms

Onychomycosis, mucinous cysts, melanoma, psoriatic nails, lichen planus

Common terms

White spots, splinter haemorrhages, ingrown toenail, fungal infections, bacteria

Overview

Nails protect and support the tissues in our fingers and toes. Nails are essentially a structure containing hardened skin cells. Made mostly of keratin, a protein also found in the skin and hair, nails are made by living cells in the fingers and toes.

While not common in children, nail conditions affect a large number of older adults. As we get older, nails thicken and become more susceptible to fungal nail infections. Circulatory problems and greater use of medications as we age also raise the risk of developing a nail condition.

Symptoms and signs

Common nail conditions may result in the following signs:
- White spots
- Dark spots, streaks or lines that look like a splinter beneath the nail
- Ingrown toenail (nail curves downwards or sideways into the skin)
- Thickening or cumbling of nails
- Redness, swelling and pain of the nail folds
- Tumours, warts or cysts on the nail

Treatment

Treatment can be challenging as nails grow slowly and respond slowly to treatment. Nails do not absorb topical medications well due to their thickness, and oral medication or surgery may be necessary.