If you have a void under your nail, then this pathology needs to be treated. Read more in the article.
The nail plate, its condition, like a mirror of the human body, reflects its internal health. If the surface is deformed and small voids form under the nail, it is necessary to identify the cause of the disease and begin treatment. Masking the problem by hiding it under decorative varnish is a big mistake, which can subsequently lead to disastrous results.
Read an article on our website about dry and hard skin around fingernails and toenails . You will learn about the reasons for such a defect, and you will also know what to do in this case.
Today, there are many effective means of treating “air pockets” - from the use of medications to alternative folk remedies. Read more in the article below.
What is the void under the nail on the fingers or toes: what is it called?
Emptiness under the nail on the fingers
It often happens that under the nail peels off. This is ugly and not aesthetically pleasing, since our hands tell others about our appearance and how a woman or man takes care of themselves. What is the void under the fingernail or toenail?
- Partial detachment of the nail surface is medically called onycholysis .
- The main symptoms of the pathology: deformation or depletion of the plate due to circulatory disorders.
- It becomes more brittle, constantly crumbles and cannot develop properly.
Visually, the emptiness looks like white spots under the surface of the nail. But in reality, the pathology process develops much deeper. Small air pockets appear at the moment when particles of the plate separate from the nail bed, forming detachments inside. When identifying the initial signs of the disease, doctors advise not to delay visiting your doctor. Read more about them below.
Therapeutic methods
To treat onycholysis, so-called restorative therapy is used. As a rule, this includes a number of vitamins and nutrients: iron, calcium, gelatin, vitamins A and B. After the body is strengthened, it will be possible to move on to treating the nails themselves. Potassium permanganate baths, heliomycin ointment, and syntamycin emulsion are used. To prevent infection by other microbes or fungi, you need to maintain hygiene of your hands and feet, and constantly clean your nails. Also, do not come into contact with chemicals, powders, detergents, and so on. It is enough just to wear rubber gloves, which will prevent the substance from penetrating the skin and nails. If you go to the doctor in a timely manner, the emptiness under the nails of your big toes can be treated quite simply.
Signs and symptoms of emptiness under the nail: photo of onycholysis
Emptiness under the nail on the fingers
Since the nail plate changes its appearance, it is not difficult to notice the problem. But the emptiness under the nail most often does not occur as a single symptom; it is part of the pathological changes taking place in the body. Onycholysis can be identified by visual signs:
- Surface thickening
- The color of the plate changes to yellowish or gray
- Peeling, burning of the skin of the phalanx of the finger
- Redness of fingers
- There is discomfort when pressing on the nail
- The formation of irregularities in the nail plate, the detachment zone becomes embossed and wavy
Here is a photo of onycholysis:
Emptiness under the fingernail Emptiness under the fingernail Emptiness under the fingernail Emptiness under the fingernail
We talked about the main symptoms above. But it should be noted that in the presence of internal pathologies or exposure to aggressive external factors, additional symptoms may occur. For example, ingrown nails, purulent discharge.
If the appearance of voids occurs on the toes, then the general symptoms of the process are more reminiscent of infection with a dangerous fungus. Internal discomfort, mycosis of the feet, dry skin. In advanced conditions, changes in gait and bleeding in the interdigital spaces can be observed.
It should be noted: In the initial stages of the disease, most of the symptoms may not appear, so it is necessary to pay attention to even minor cosmetic changes.
Important: At the first manifestation of such changes, consult a doctor. He will prescribe diagnostics, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Nail diagnostics
Diagnosis occurs by examining the nail plate. The fact is that it can show a lot and tell what a person is sick with. This technique is especially popular in China, where many folk recipes and innovations in the field of medicine come from. This is explained by the fact that the channels on the fingers are closely connected with the organs, which is why nails can provide such detailed information about human health. Emptiness on the fingernails will already indicate problems.
There are even connections that have already been made. The thumb is the skull and brain, the index finger is the lungs, the middle finger is the intestines, the ring finger is the kidneys, the little finger is the heart. It is believed that one should read precisely for such associations.
Despite the fact that it looks quite stupid due to its simplicity, this diagnostic technique has already worked successfully in several countries. By studying nails, you can identify many diseases and begin treatment.
Causes of onycholysis: why did the void form under the nail?
Emptiness under the fingernail
It is always important to know the cause of a particular disease in order to get rid of them and recover faster. Why is there a void under the nail? Experts identify a number of reasons for the appearance of onycholysis:
- Mechanical and traumatic
- Physical
- Infectious
- Inflammatory processes
- Allergic
Timely detection of the underlying cause is the main path to a doctor making an accurate diagnosis, prescribing the necessary medications and further rapid recovery. During the period of illness, a combination of unhealthy factors may be present, and in this case it is necessary to identify the main one in order to promptly stop all its irritating processes.
Here is a description of the most common factors that can cause such a defect:
- Experts consider the most common cause of nail detachment and voids to be mechanical damage . Deformation of part of the plate occurs when there is a strong blow to the phalanx of the finger, compression - as a result of which a hemorrhage forms under the nail surface.
- Also, a change defect occurs when ingested by chemicals , the use of detergents and cleaning products, or burns.
- The occurrence of disease processes is facilitated by exposure to ultraviolet radiation and changes in high and low temperatures.
- Detachment of the nail plate can be caused by prolonged exposure to water.
- Narrow, uncomfortable shoes made of synthetic materials force the foot to constantly be in a compressed state, sweat a lot, and in the future this leads to deformation of the nail plate.
- Excess weight puts unnecessary stress on the lower limbs, which leads to the onset of disease.
- Visiting a manicure studio and undergoing a cosmetic nail procedure can also serve as a basis for the development of onycholysis. In this case, the problem is the use of low-quality materials and insufficient sterilization of instruments. may peel off after gel polish .
- Dermatological diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, fungal infections lead to the appearance of onycholysis. With this option, the disease is complemented by the appearance of thickening and peeling of the skin around the nail and cuticle.
- Infectious inflammatory processes within the body, diseases of the endocrine, digestive system, blood vessels, and heart can have a negative impact.
- Due to prolonged use of antibiotics , constant stress, and lack of vital microelements, they contribute to the occurrence of onycholysis.
A rare cause of the disease is allergies . In this case, the development of the disease is associated with constant and prolonged contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction - for example, latex, detergents. For more information about allergies to gel polish and other substances, read this article on our website .
It is worth understanding: Covering the nail with decorative varnish is possible, but this does not solve the problem. If even minor voids appear, it is necessary to contact a specialist to identify the cause of the disease and further treat it.
If you ignore the signs, there is a possibility of completely losing the nail.
Main causes of the disease
If the void under the nails is noticed only at the initial stage, then the detachment of the plate will be insignificant and barely noticeable to a prying eye. But if you start onycholysis, then things can get to the point where the nail is completely lost. And this is a huge stress for the whole body and person.
The main reason is fungal infections, which can be spread under the nails in a variety of ways. Therefore, the specialist you need to contact is a dermatologist. It is he who will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment, send for tests and give useful advice on prevention. Since the disease develops very quickly and covers the entire space between the fingers, contacting a specialist as soon as possible will help cope with the fungus.
But there are other reasons that are not so common: taking antibiotics, herbs, exposure to drugs, powders, and so on. Because the nature of the formation can be so varied, it is important to contact a specialist as soon as possible. Only he can prescribe the correct treatment so that the emptiness under the nails goes away.
Diagnosis of the formation of a void under the nail
Emptiness under the nail on the fingers
When consulting a dermatologist , the doctor conducts an initial visual examination of the finger under a lamp, in the presence of fungal infections that give a blue color. To establish an accurate determination, blood is drawn and scraped from the site of the lesion. Tests will determine the main cause of the fungus.
If a dermatologist finds it difficult to make a correct diagnosis, the patient is referred to a specialist with a narrow focus - a mycologist . If a void forms under the nail, this doctor will prescribe the following diagnosis:
- Clinical data - a person’s complaints are listened to and a set of symptoms is determined.
- Microscopic examination - scraping from the site of the lesion. If it is carried out as prescribed by a dermatologist, then the results are simply studied.
- Cultural examination - inoculation of the fungus in a special medium and identification of the pathogen by the shape of the colonies, color and growth pattern.
- DNA diagnostics - a scraping is examined to detect the DNA of a fungal infection.
In the future, complex therapy is prescribed, which includes:
- Taking antifungal drugs
- Treatment with medicinal ointments
- Strengthening the immune system, taking vitamins
- Restoration of the affected nail plate
More information about the treatment of emptiness under the nail is written below in the text. Read on.
Diagnostics
First of all, the doctor carefully examines the nails on the hand, or rather the white voids, but a visual examination does not allow one to correctly differentiate the diagnosis. It is possible that an infection got inside, or the destructive effect of the fungus began with the tip of one finger, but will soon spread to the entire hand. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor carefully cuts off part of the pathology focus, and then examines it under a microscope to identify the specific features of the pathogenic flora. After this, the patient may be prescribed medications for topical use and oral administration.
Treatment of emptiness under the nail on the thumb, other finger, toe - what to do: medications
Treatment of emptiness under the nail
It is worth noting that if the emptiness under the nail plate appears as a result of mechanical damage, then it does not need to be treated, since such a defect goes away on its own. If it is a fungus, then treatment is required. Here are the groups of drugs that can be prescribed in the treatment of this pathology:
Groups of drugs for the treatment of emptiness under the nail
The medications prescribed by the doctor depend on the causes of the disease. So what to do? How to treat emptiness under the nail on the thumb, other finger, or toe? In any case, the treatment period is long and requires the use of several types of medications:
- When affected by fungus, use externally - gels, sprays, ointments . The drug is applied as a night compress. At the beginning of the procedure, you need to take a bath with sea salt and slightly file the affected area of the nail. Mikoseptin ointment helps well . Mycospor solution has also proven itself well .
- When the form is advanced, a specialist prescribes antibiotics . Taking the drugs is long and takes from 3 months .
- If damage to the nail plate is caused by intoxication of the body with medications and antibiotics, probiotics are prescribed to cleanse the stomach and restore the microflora. As an aid, it is possible to use activated carbon, Enterosgel .
- In the presence of inflammatory processes on the phalanx and nail, additionally use soothing ointments - Panthenol, Bepanten.
In addition to the main medicinal devices that affect the elimination of inflammatory processes, it is recommended to increase immunity. To combat vitamin deficiency, it is recommended to take vitamins and microelements:
- Vit. groups A, B
- Calcium
- Iron
The necessary mineral complex is purchased at the pharmacy and applied according to the dosage.
It is important to remember: You need to combine medications and essential microelements carefully, as thoughtless use can lead to complications and side effects. To take additional vitamins, you must first consult your doctor.
As additional protection for the affected area, your dermatologist may prescribe the use of antifungal varnishes. They are able to partially eliminate unpleasant symptoms and prevent further spread of the pathogen. Here are some other drugs used in the systemic treatment of emptiness under the nails:
Preparations for the treatment of emptiness under the nail
A void has formed under the nail - how to get rid of it: treatment on hands and feet with folk remedies
To speed up treatment and eliminate air voids in the nails, you can use traditional medicine. Since they consist entirely of natural ingredients, they are completely safe, do not cause an allergic reaction, and increase the effectiveness of the main treatment. So, how to get rid of a defect when a void has formed under the nail? Here is a treatment for hands and feet using folk remedies:
A bath that helps get rid of emptiness under the nail
BATHS:
It is important to remember that the water should not be too hot. The duration of the procedure is 20 minutes . Make a solution and dip your hands or feet into it. Then wipe with a dry towel. You can make baths with the following solutions:
- To strengthen the nail plate, use a mixture of iodine and vegetable oil . Heat the oil, add a few drops of liquid vitamin A and iodine .
- Sea salt baths can soothe flaking and reduce the layering of nails. At 500 mg . Dissolve 1 tablespoon in sea salt without dye or flavoring.
- Olive baths soften the skin, while at the same time allowing you to saturate the nail plate with microelements. Heat the oil in a water bath and mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp honey , add 1 egg . Dip the affected nail into the mixture. After the procedure, rinse, wipe dry, lubricate with cream.
- A decoction of celandine for nail fungus . The oil of this plant and tincture are also used.
A decoction that helps get rid of emptiness under the nail
BROTH:
- In 250 ml. water add 1 tbsp chamomile flowers and 1 tbsp. green tea Let it boil and simmer over low heat for several minutes. After the infusion has cooled to a comfortable temperature, lower the affected finger. Keep for about 20 minutes .
Strengthening nails with CALENDULA tincture:
- Treat the affected nail plate daily with an alcohol tincture solution.
LEMON:
Strengthens nails, prevents their fragility, eliminates yellowness. The medicine is done like this:
- Cut the citrus in half and leave for 10 minutes. the affected finger into the pulp.
- After the procedure, the painful area is carefully filed down.
IODINE:
- With the help of constant treatment with an alcohol solution of iodine, it is possible to cure fungal nail infections. But it must be remembered that antifungal therapy with iodine should be carried out for three weeks - no less.
- During this time, lubricate the affected nail with iodine. It's better to do this at night.
Propolis tincture helps get rid of emptiness under the nail
PROPOLIS:
- Moisten the diseased nail plate with propolis tincture 2 times a day for 10-14 days .
- After the course, the nail peels off and a new one grows in its place.
When using traditional medicine, you must remember that they do not replace the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor. Alternative treatment acts as an additional assistant, relieving symptoms, but not curing them.
How to get rid of emptiness under the nail: reviews
Emptiness under the nail
If any defects appear on the nails, it is always unpleasant. Women especially worry very much, since their appearance and the way their hands look are important to them. Read reviews from other people who know how to get rid of hollow spots under their nails.
Natalia, 36 years old
Loceryl varnish helped me in the fight for my nails. I got infected in the pool. I stopped the growth of the fungus with varnish, but I couldn’t save the affected part and gradually sawed it off. Now I sometimes paint as a preventive measure, there have been no relapses yet. And there were nail crumbles, white dots inside, waves.
Ekaterina, 42 years old
When I was a student, I bought fashionable shoes one size smaller. I wore it for a long time until my legs began to hurt. The nails on my thumbs turned black, then a void formed. Now they grow back healthy, then again with holes. As soon as I start doing baths, applying creams - everything is fine, you forget a little - and it’s back to old times.
Olga, 23 years old
I got a hardware pedicure in an unfamiliar salon. It was urgent, and my manicurist was on vacation. The girl got under her nail a lot. After this procedure, a void formed at the angle of the nail and almost 1/3 inward. During the consultation, the dermatologist suggested that after the bath, carefully cut off the steamed nail with nail scissors, where there is emptiness. And drip Exoderil into the hole, several times a day. The treatment helped, and now I feel better.
