Nails are no more regarded as just a dead tissue extension rather they are cared upon, arched to perfection in square, oval or round shapes to enhance on the beautiful hands and persona.  Often one comes across advertisements claiming to service you with the most stunning sets of nails via cosmetic means such as nail art, extensions and gelling procedures. But all those pondering on such repute should always check with a physician to keep it safe and free of infection. Many a times nail artists practicing fake deeds land up the client in trouble with nail infections and disorders. Nails though seemingly less troublesome can sometimes shape up as a chronic menace.

Few are some infectious disorders of nails that may arise upon using unhealthy or unhygienic parameters to the little ten pieces.

To begin is a bacterial infection namely acute Paronychia, it is a nail fold infection characterised by pain, redness and swelling of the nail fold. Most commonly observed in people who indulge excessively in cuticle removal, buffing procedures, nail extension or persistently soak their hands in water, these techniques leave a nail prone to the organism heading straight to deteriorating results.  

Onychomycosis is the fungal infection of nail. This is characterised by the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed better known as onycholysis with debris deposition underneath. The condition is recognised by discolouration and altered contour of the nail.

Tinea unguis is another fungal infection of the nails; here it usually begins with a single nail and then progresses to infect others in due course. It begins involving the nail bed; it may turn the nail dark brown or black at times. Often infection leads to a chalky deposition under the nail plate lifting it upwards. The infected nail appears to be eaten away leaving thick, dark and dull remnants behind. The condition is most commonly seen in people who keep their nails untidy and dirty.  

Constant involvement in artificial nail procedures is in turn persistent injury to the nail and may also compromise the entire nail losing its shine, size and entity. The wasting away of such a nail is better recognised as Onychatrophia.

Again another condition to result from trauma is Onychogryposis, it is characterised by the inward growth of the nail. In extreme condition this may require surgical intervention to remove the peeping dead tissues causing pain.

An early start of cosmetic applications over nails may result in Pterygium unguis. Here an adhesion forms between the epidermis of the dorsal fold of nail i.e. the tip of the nail and the nail bed. Most commonly occurs due to impaired blood circulation and sometimes may be a developmental defect.

Beau’s lines are transverse dark depressions on the nails. They majorly arise due to temporary interference with the natural nail development. The condition may erupt after a trauma, illness, malnutrition, metabolic disorder or dermatitis of the adjacent skin.    

Another nail condition attributed to modern lifestyle is koilonychias, commonly seen in case of anaemia. The nails become flat, concave, thin and brittle. The normal contour of the nail is lost. Here treating the nail is not important just the underlying deficiency can do the trick.

The above is a mere glimpse, there may be other minor disorders too that may develop on account of unhealthy practices.

Over indulging to nail cosmetics can cost to pay a heavy price.