NAILS OVERVIEW
Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 2:23 pm
In the spirit of the theme of diagnostic indicators, here are some
indications from easily examined parts (finger and toenails):
=====================
NAIL MIASMS (SK Banerjea, Calcutta) (courtesy of Sunny , Bill, Dr B)
BASIC
-•(SK Banerjea lecture):"He took time during the lecture to look at all
the finger and toenails of
the course participants. We saw examples of each and several times we
could see
all three miasms together:
-•dryness=PSORIC
-•ridges, wavy, corrugated, thickened, convex=SYCOTIC
-•spoonshaped, thin, brittle, split, fungal, concave=SYPHILITIC
-thickened AND mottled/pockmarked/pinholed= SYCO-SYPHILITIC
-glossy and or spotted =TUBERCULAR
SUPPRESSION indications of nails
-•Less the nail symptoms, more the suppression (physical, emotional,
iatrogenic).
-•"If you see that the toenails and the fingernails are different this
shows a
lot of suppression,
-•If all the nails show the same miasm, this means less suppression.
-•Keep an eye on the nails, they will change.
-•In this world, because of suppression, and suppression, and
suppression, it
is sometimes very difficult to get a totality, There may be only one or
two
symptoms obscuring other symptoms. If you give a correct miasmatic
remedy or
nosode it will go deep into the individual and bring the suppressed
symptoms onto
the surface.
-•"Then Dr. Banerjea asked us to look up X-Ray in Boericke. "The
homeopathic
action of X-Ray is thus centrifugal, from center to periphery. It brings
suppressed symptoms to the surface, especially those of Sycotic
origin--when potency like
200c or 1 M is used. This will partially cover the totality and bring
more symptoms to
the surface so that next time you can prescribe a deep acting remedy
based on
the totality of symptoms."
======
PSORA- dryness of nails
-•Dry, harsh nails are Psoric. They look rough. They are not the eaten
up
appearance. They are not glossy. They are dry. Psora has dryness.
=======
SYCOSIS –ridged nails, convex
-•Tips of the fingers are square as a result of Sycotic preponderance.
-•"Squaring of the nail to a certain extent is Sycotic.
-•"Wavy nails are Sycotic. The key word for Sycotic is incoordination.
They
should have waves or ridges or corrugated either vertical or
horizontal. These
are not the concave nails. These are the long ridges or ribs on the
nails. The
ridges are a proliferation - a hypertrophy, Hyper is Sycosis."
-•"Thickness of the nails is also Sycotic."
-•"Convex nails are Sycotic."
========
SYPHILIS- spoonshaped, concave nails, fungal
-•"Thin, paper-like nails that bend and tear easily are Syphilitic. Why?
Because of destruction and degeneration."
-•"Spoon-shaped or concave nails are Syphilitic."
-•"Brittle nails which split easily are Syphilitic."
-•"All fungal infections are Syphilitic.
-•"If the ridges are on the underside of the nail this is Syphilitic.
The nail
is being eaten up."
=============
SYCO-SYPHILIS –thickened AND mottled/pockmarked/pinholed nails
-•"Thick nails with mottled eaten up texture are
Syco-Syphilitic--Sycosis is the thickness and the mottled nail is the
Syphilitic.
-•Thick nails with pock marks as if the nail looks as if it has been
punched by pins or eaten up, this is Syco-Syphilitc. Sycosis is the
thickening and
the pock marks or pin holes is Syphilitic. This can also be caused by
fungal
infections and fungal infections are Syphilitic. In India we got it
with the
barefoot farmers. In the U.S.A. you get it from the prolonged wearing
of socks."
============
TUBERCULAR-glossy and or spotted nails
-•"Glossy nails are Tubercular."
-•.""White spots on the nails are Tubercular. Also stains or spots on
the nails
are Tubercular.
-•If the white spots predominant and the glossiness is there with
dryness, this
shows that Psora is in the background.
-• When you see the symptoms near the edges of the nail is Tubercular."
-•"When you see the redness behind the nail, when you pull up on the
nail, this
is Tubercular. All hemorrhage, flushing is Tubercular. She might have
profuse
bleeding during menses, irregular menses, or a longer menses period,"
==========================================================
NAILS OVERVIEW (MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY AND SOME DIAGNOSTIC INDICATORS)
obtain some images here:
====================
Nail abnormalities
Nails may exhibit many different abnormalities.
Nail abnormalities refer to abnormal color, shape, texture, or
thickness of the fingernails or toenails.
Just like the skin, the fingernails are a telling reflection of a
person's state of health.
=================
Terminology:
Beau's lines; Fingernail abnormalities; Spoon nails; Onycholysis;
Leukonychia; Koilonychia
--Beau's lines are linear depressions that occur "crosswise"
(transverse) in the fingernail. They can occur after illness, trauma to
the nail, and with malnutrition.
--Detachment of the nail can also occur. (The nail becomes loose and
sometimes even comes off.)
--Leukonychia describes white streaks or spots on the nails. Also
called White nail syndrome. Leukonychia can occur with arsenic
poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia.
--Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail where the nail has
raised ridges and is thin and concave. The nails are flattened and have
concavities. This condition may be associated with iron deficiency.
This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia.
--In Onycholysis the nails become loose. They may even detach from the
nail bed. When not held firmly in place, the nails are rapidly damaged
and debris collects beneath them.
--A Paronychia is an infection around the nail. Many organisms can
cause a paronychia (fungus, etc). Inflammation (red, swollen area) can
occur at the base of the nail changes occur in the nail itself.
--Pitting (the presence of small depressions on the nail surface) is
often accompanied with crumbling of the nail.
--Ridges (linear elevations) can develop along the nail occurring in a
"lengthwise" or "crosswise" direction.
--Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by yellow nails that lack a
cuticle, grow slowly, and are loose or detached (onycholysis). There is
thickening and yellow to yellow-green discoloration of all nails.
Yellow nail syndrome is most commonly associated with lung disorders,
and with lymphedema. Lymphedema, especially of the ankles, and
compromised respiration may be present. The nails may also be
over-curved both transversely and longitudinally. Lunulae and cuticles
may also be lost.
====================
Common Causes
=======
Trauma
* Crush injury to base of the nail or the nail bed may produce a
permanent deformity
* Nail biting can be a sign of anxiety, chronic tension or
uncontrollable compulsion
* Chronic picking or rubbing of the skin behind the visible portion of
the nail can produce a washboard nail
* Chronic exposure to moisture or to nail polish can produce brittle
nails with peeling of the edge of the nail
=======
Infection
* Fungus or yeast produce changes in the color, texture, and shape of
the nails
* Bacterial infection may cause a change in color (green nails with
Pseudomonas) or painful pockets of infection under the nail or in skin
surrounding the nail -- severe infections can cause loss of the nail
plate
* Viral warts may cause a change in the shape of the nail or ingrown
skin under the nail
=======
Internal diseases
* Disorders that affect the amount of oxygen in the blood (such as
abnormal heart anatomy and lung diseases including cancer or infection)
may produce "clubbing" of the nail, which looks like the back of a
teaspoon
* Kidney disease that causes a build-up of nitrogen waste products in
the blood
* Liver disease including chronic liver failure
* Thyroid diseases including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may
produce brittle nails or splitting of the nail bed from the nail plate
(onycholysis)
* Infection (especially of the heart valve) may produce splinter
hemorrhages (red streaks in the nail bed)
* Systemic amyloidosis
* Severe illness or surgery may produce horizontal depressions in the
nails (Beau's lines)
* Vitamin deficiency can cause a loss of luster or brittle nails
* Malnutrition of any sort can affect the appearance of the nails
========
Skin diseases
* Psoriasis may produce pitting, splitting of nail plate from nail bed
(onycholysis), and chronic destruction of the nail plate (nail
dystrophy)
* Lichen planus
========
Heavy metal ingestion
* Arsenic poisoning may produce white lines and horizontal ridges
* Silver intake can produce a blue nail
===============
Therapeutics
=======
Practices
--For nail abnormalities due to nail biting, picking, and tearing, stop
these behaviors. Get psychological help (in extreme cases) or
encouragement to stop as needed. Keep hangnails clipped.
--For nail abnormalities due to ingrown toenails, wear shoes that don't
squeeze the toes together, and always cut the nails straight across
along the top.
--For brittle nails, keep the nails short and avoid nail polish. Use an
emollient (skin softening) cream after washing or bathing.
=======
Medicine
--For pale nails, clubbed nails, blue nails, distorted nails, white
lines and horizontal ridges, or white hue under the nails, consult your
homeopath to determine the proper way to treat the underlying cause of
the problem.
--For splinter hemorrhages, see the appropriate practitioner immediately
==============
Assessment
The medical history obtained, and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may
include:
* Type
* What is the abnormality?
* Are the nails an abnormal color?
* What color are they?
* Are there red lines running the length of the nail (splinter
hemorrhage)?
* Are they an abnormal shape?
* Has the texture changed?
* Has the thickness changed?
* Are the nails pitted?
* Are the nails detached?
* Are there ridged nails?
* Which direction does the ridging go?
* Does the whole end of the finger look enlarged?
* Is there a lack of luster?
* Are the nails brittle?
* Location
* Is it the hands?
* Is it the feet?
* Is it only on one side?
* Are both sides the same?
* Is it only one specific nail?
* Aggravating factors
* Have you had an injury to the nail?
* Do you bite your nails?
* Do you pick your nails or rub the fingers or toes chronically?
* Are the nails frequently moist?
* Do you use nail polish?
* Other
* What other symptoms are also present?
Diagnostic tests will depend on what other symptoms, if any, exist.
These may include X-rays, blood tests, or examination of parts of the
nail in the laboratory.
In part from Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology,
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
indications from easily examined parts (finger and toenails):
=====================
NAIL MIASMS (SK Banerjea, Calcutta) (courtesy of Sunny , Bill, Dr B)
BASIC
-•(SK Banerjea lecture):"He took time during the lecture to look at all
the finger and toenails of
the course participants. We saw examples of each and several times we
could see
all three miasms together:
-•dryness=PSORIC
-•ridges, wavy, corrugated, thickened, convex=SYCOTIC
-•spoonshaped, thin, brittle, split, fungal, concave=SYPHILITIC
-thickened AND mottled/pockmarked/pinholed= SYCO-SYPHILITIC
-glossy and or spotted =TUBERCULAR
SUPPRESSION indications of nails
-•Less the nail symptoms, more the suppression (physical, emotional,
iatrogenic).
-•"If you see that the toenails and the fingernails are different this
shows a
lot of suppression,
-•If all the nails show the same miasm, this means less suppression.
-•Keep an eye on the nails, they will change.
-•In this world, because of suppression, and suppression, and
suppression, it
is sometimes very difficult to get a totality, There may be only one or
two
symptoms obscuring other symptoms. If you give a correct miasmatic
remedy or
nosode it will go deep into the individual and bring the suppressed
symptoms onto
the surface.
-•"Then Dr. Banerjea asked us to look up X-Ray in Boericke. "The
homeopathic
action of X-Ray is thus centrifugal, from center to periphery. It brings
suppressed symptoms to the surface, especially those of Sycotic
origin--when potency like
200c or 1 M is used. This will partially cover the totality and bring
more symptoms to
the surface so that next time you can prescribe a deep acting remedy
based on
the totality of symptoms."
======
PSORA- dryness of nails
-•Dry, harsh nails are Psoric. They look rough. They are not the eaten
up
appearance. They are not glossy. They are dry. Psora has dryness.
=======
SYCOSIS –ridged nails, convex
-•Tips of the fingers are square as a result of Sycotic preponderance.
-•"Squaring of the nail to a certain extent is Sycotic.
-•"Wavy nails are Sycotic. The key word for Sycotic is incoordination.
They
should have waves or ridges or corrugated either vertical or
horizontal. These
are not the concave nails. These are the long ridges or ribs on the
nails. The
ridges are a proliferation - a hypertrophy, Hyper is Sycosis."
-•"Thickness of the nails is also Sycotic."
-•"Convex nails are Sycotic."
========
SYPHILIS- spoonshaped, concave nails, fungal
-•"Thin, paper-like nails that bend and tear easily are Syphilitic. Why?
Because of destruction and degeneration."
-•"Spoon-shaped or concave nails are Syphilitic."
-•"Brittle nails which split easily are Syphilitic."
-•"All fungal infections are Syphilitic.
-•"If the ridges are on the underside of the nail this is Syphilitic.
The nail
is being eaten up."
=============
SYCO-SYPHILIS –thickened AND mottled/pockmarked/pinholed nails
-•"Thick nails with mottled eaten up texture are
Syco-Syphilitic--Sycosis is the thickness and the mottled nail is the
Syphilitic.
-•Thick nails with pock marks as if the nail looks as if it has been
punched by pins or eaten up, this is Syco-Syphilitc. Sycosis is the
thickening and
the pock marks or pin holes is Syphilitic. This can also be caused by
fungal
infections and fungal infections are Syphilitic. In India we got it
with the
barefoot farmers. In the U.S.A. you get it from the prolonged wearing
of socks."
============
TUBERCULAR-glossy and or spotted nails
-•"Glossy nails are Tubercular."
-•.""White spots on the nails are Tubercular. Also stains or spots on
the nails
are Tubercular.
-•If the white spots predominant and the glossiness is there with
dryness, this
shows that Psora is in the background.
-• When you see the symptoms near the edges of the nail is Tubercular."
-•"When you see the redness behind the nail, when you pull up on the
nail, this
is Tubercular. All hemorrhage, flushing is Tubercular. She might have
profuse
bleeding during menses, irregular menses, or a longer menses period,"
==========================================================
NAILS OVERVIEW (MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY AND SOME DIAGNOSTIC INDICATORS)
obtain some images here:
====================
Nail abnormalities
Nails may exhibit many different abnormalities.
Nail abnormalities refer to abnormal color, shape, texture, or
thickness of the fingernails or toenails.
Just like the skin, the fingernails are a telling reflection of a
person's state of health.
=================
Terminology:
Beau's lines; Fingernail abnormalities; Spoon nails; Onycholysis;
Leukonychia; Koilonychia
--Beau's lines are linear depressions that occur "crosswise"
(transverse) in the fingernail. They can occur after illness, trauma to
the nail, and with malnutrition.
--Detachment of the nail can also occur. (The nail becomes loose and
sometimes even comes off.)
--Leukonychia describes white streaks or spots on the nails. Also
called White nail syndrome. Leukonychia can occur with arsenic
poisoning, heart disease, renal failure, pneumonia, or hypoalbuminemia.
--Koilonychia is an abnormal shape of the fingernail where the nail has
raised ridges and is thin and concave. The nails are flattened and have
concavities. This condition may be associated with iron deficiency.
This disorder is associated with iron deficiency anemia.
--In Onycholysis the nails become loose. They may even detach from the
nail bed. When not held firmly in place, the nails are rapidly damaged
and debris collects beneath them.
--A Paronychia is an infection around the nail. Many organisms can
cause a paronychia (fungus, etc). Inflammation (red, swollen area) can
occur at the base of the nail changes occur in the nail itself.
--Pitting (the presence of small depressions on the nail surface) is
often accompanied with crumbling of the nail.
--Ridges (linear elevations) can develop along the nail occurring in a
"lengthwise" or "crosswise" direction.
--Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by yellow nails that lack a
cuticle, grow slowly, and are loose or detached (onycholysis). There is
thickening and yellow to yellow-green discoloration of all nails.
Yellow nail syndrome is most commonly associated with lung disorders,
and with lymphedema. Lymphedema, especially of the ankles, and
compromised respiration may be present. The nails may also be
over-curved both transversely and longitudinally. Lunulae and cuticles
may also be lost.
====================
Common Causes
=======
Trauma
* Crush injury to base of the nail or the nail bed may produce a
permanent deformity
* Nail biting can be a sign of anxiety, chronic tension or
uncontrollable compulsion
* Chronic picking or rubbing of the skin behind the visible portion of
the nail can produce a washboard nail
* Chronic exposure to moisture or to nail polish can produce brittle
nails with peeling of the edge of the nail
=======
Infection
* Fungus or yeast produce changes in the color, texture, and shape of
the nails
* Bacterial infection may cause a change in color (green nails with
Pseudomonas) or painful pockets of infection under the nail or in skin
surrounding the nail -- severe infections can cause loss of the nail
plate
* Viral warts may cause a change in the shape of the nail or ingrown
skin under the nail
=======
Internal diseases
* Disorders that affect the amount of oxygen in the blood (such as
abnormal heart anatomy and lung diseases including cancer or infection)
may produce "clubbing" of the nail, which looks like the back of a
teaspoon
* Kidney disease that causes a build-up of nitrogen waste products in
the blood
* Liver disease including chronic liver failure
* Thyroid diseases including hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may
produce brittle nails or splitting of the nail bed from the nail plate
(onycholysis)
* Infection (especially of the heart valve) may produce splinter
hemorrhages (red streaks in the nail bed)
* Systemic amyloidosis
* Severe illness or surgery may produce horizontal depressions in the
nails (Beau's lines)
* Vitamin deficiency can cause a loss of luster or brittle nails
* Malnutrition of any sort can affect the appearance of the nails
========
Skin diseases
* Psoriasis may produce pitting, splitting of nail plate from nail bed
(onycholysis), and chronic destruction of the nail plate (nail
dystrophy)
* Lichen planus
========
Heavy metal ingestion
* Arsenic poisoning may produce white lines and horizontal ridges
* Silver intake can produce a blue nail
===============
Therapeutics
=======
Practices
--For nail abnormalities due to nail biting, picking, and tearing, stop
these behaviors. Get psychological help (in extreme cases) or
encouragement to stop as needed. Keep hangnails clipped.
--For nail abnormalities due to ingrown toenails, wear shoes that don't
squeeze the toes together, and always cut the nails straight across
along the top.
--For brittle nails, keep the nails short and avoid nail polish. Use an
emollient (skin softening) cream after washing or bathing.
=======
Medicine
--For pale nails, clubbed nails, blue nails, distorted nails, white
lines and horizontal ridges, or white hue under the nails, consult your
homeopath to determine the proper way to treat the underlying cause of
the problem.
--For splinter hemorrhages, see the appropriate practitioner immediately
==============
Assessment
The medical history obtained, and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may
include:
* Type
* What is the abnormality?
* Are the nails an abnormal color?
* What color are they?
* Are there red lines running the length of the nail (splinter
hemorrhage)?
* Are they an abnormal shape?
* Has the texture changed?
* Has the thickness changed?
* Are the nails pitted?
* Are the nails detached?
* Are there ridged nails?
* Which direction does the ridging go?
* Does the whole end of the finger look enlarged?
* Is there a lack of luster?
* Are the nails brittle?
* Location
* Is it the hands?
* Is it the feet?
* Is it only on one side?
* Are both sides the same?
* Is it only one specific nail?
* Aggravating factors
* Have you had an injury to the nail?
* Do you bite your nails?
* Do you pick your nails or rub the fingers or toes chronically?
* Are the nails frequently moist?
* Do you use nail polish?
* Other
* What other symptoms are also present?
Diagnostic tests will depend on what other symptoms, if any, exist.
These may include X-rays, blood tests, or examination of parts of the
nail in the laboratory.
In part from Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology,
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]