Properly formed, smooth nails in a newborn reassure that all is well. Teenagers value nails for their fashion versatility. Men and women recognize that healthy nails present a positive image beginning with the first hand shake. Society has come to enjoy nails as an art form and a fashion statement. Stores and salons nationwide offer various press on nails, nail sculpture, tips and jewels.
Millions apply nail polish, nail sunscreens, and the latest strengtheners and quickdries.
Psoriasis sufferers may have tiny holes in the nail plate, and fungal infections may show in a misshapen nail plate with debris. In addition, broken blood vessels beneath nails may signal lupus, and a discolored nail plate may indicate liver or kidney disease. Chemotherapy may present horizontal grooves in the nail plate. Your dermatologist is a nail expert. Of particular interest to the elderly, new antifungal drugs such as itraconazole, fluconazole and terbinafine are being used in the treatment of onychomycosis, a fungal infection which affects the finger and toe nails.