Toenails overlap: why it happens and what to do?

Smooth and neat toenails indicate not only the proper care for them, but also the absence of various diseases. If they began to flake or break, this is a sign of the effects of some external factors, and some problems inside the body.

Due to the dystrophic changes inside the nails, the plates become thinner and begin to split into flakes. The result is brittle and fragile nails, they get a rough surface, dull appearance and can begin to crumble. To eliminate this problem, called onychodystrophy by doctors, first of all it is necessary to find out its causes.

According to its structure, the toenails are formed from thin keratin plates, which are tightly pressed together and provide them with hardness. The structure of the nails also includes a layer of water for the desired elasticity. In addition, inside the nail plates there are a lot of trace elements, among which there is calcium, chromium, zinc, and so on.

For the growth of nails are responsible germ cells, which are located at the base (this is the lighter part in the form of a crescent). As new cells form, old ones are pushed forward, to the free edge. This continuous process occurs in the body of a healthy person, if no negative factors influence the growth and condition of the nails. If there is a foliation of nails, the reasons are very different.

The reasons for this kind include any external effects, because of which the nail plate loses water, it becomes dry and begins to break. In children, this is due to the following factors:

• delamination due to various mechanical effects, such as squeezing the plates too tight shoes;
• the effect of too dry air;
• the consequence of hypothermia;
• nail nail contact with too hot water;
• damage by different chemicals.

This large group of reasons, due to which the nails are stratified even in small children, include any changes inside the body. These are:

• anemia, which occurs due to lack of iron in the body or violations of the mechanisms of its absorption (therefore, this disease is called iron deficiency);
• poor nutrition, because of which the child lacks proteins, vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and other substances;
• diseases of the digestive system, endocrine glands or liver, which will result in deterioration of the metabolism of nutrients necessary for the normal growth of nails;
• fungal infection, as well as various skin diseases, such as eczema or lichen redness;
• imbalance of hormones, which often occurs in adolescents;
• poisoning with certain drugs or heavy metals.

Exfoliating and crumbling nails, depending on the pathological process in the plates and provoking factors may look different.

1. If the nail plate splits leaf-shaped in the area of ​​the free edge, and the main part remains intact, this condition is called onychoshisis. With such a lesion, the free part may not split, but only become very thin.Most often this happens when repeated injuries of the nails, the effects of alkalis, the use of low-quality varnishes or improper performance of a pedicure.
2. If the nail plate begins to separate from the bed, exfoliate partially or completely, this problem is called "onycholysis". Peeling of the nails is not only from the free edge, but also from the sides. As a rule, fungal infections, skin diseases, injuries, endocrine pathologies and chemicals cause this.
3. If there are cracks or fissures located longitudinally on the surface of the nails, this pathology is called onihorexis. It is found in lichen and psoriasis, as well as vitamin deficiencies in food and diseases of the digestive tract. Strips on the surface of the nail plates are found and dark and light.

When detecting exfoliating and breaking toenails in children, the most correct approach would be to contact a pediatrician. The doctor will examine the small patient and determine which narrow specialist is best to show the child - a dermatologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, or other. They know what to do in such cases.

If necessary, the baby will be sent for a blood test and some other tests.For example, they will determine the level of hormones or examine the nail plate on the fungus. To effectively eliminate a problem, the impact must be aimed primarily at its cause. That is why any home measures are not recommended without consulting a doctor, so that the condition of the nails in a small patient does not deteriorate further.

If brittleness and delamination is found on an adult's nails, a visit to the doctor will also be an excellent way out, because after him the cause of such a problem will be clear, which will affect the possible treatment methods.

1. A competent doctor will certainly pay attention to the patient's diet - is he eating enough protein, is there vegetables and fresh fruits in the menu, is he using dairy products, and so on.
2. If the cause of delamination is injury, then special treatment is not required. It is only necessary to ensure normal healing of the nail, protecting it for this period with a bactericidal plaster, which should be replaced regularly.
3. Among the drugs that are prescribed for delamination, the most popular are vitamin complexes or monopreparations, for example, retinol. In some cases, require and special antifungal drugs or antibiotics.
4. To strengthen brittle plates, many doctors recommend supplementation with gelatin as a source of valuable amino acids and fats. From it jelly is prepared daily and consumed orally for several months.

To prevent the separation of toenails in children, It is recommended to follow practical advice.

1. It is important to carefully and timely cut off regrown nails. Sharp scissors should be used for the procedure, and plates should be cut in a straight line.
2. It is necessary to eat fully and balanced. In the diet of the child should always be high-quality protein foods, vegetables, fruits, nuts, dairy products.
3. It is important to monitor sufficient water consumption so that the nail plates do not dry out. If necessary, you can also include complex supplements, which include all the necessary vitamins and useful minerals.
4. You should buy comfortable shoes and pay attention when the foot has grown and shoes or shoes began to crush.
5. It is important to frequently change socks, not to allow hypothermia of the legs. Walking in public places (swimming pool, sauna) only in individual rubber slippers.

The following should be added to preventive measures in adults:

• regular nail care at home all year round;
• a selection of good varnishes and a proven pedicure specialist;
• the use of strengthening tools for nails;
• performing procedures to activate the blood flow and accelerate the growth of nails, for example, wax applications or massage;
• the use of medicinal varnishes, which include vitamins and other useful components;
• bedtime treatment with any nourishing cream for sufficient moisture;

In more detail why nails exfoliate, see the video below.