Hapalonychia, is a condition in which a toenail or fingernail (or multiple nails)
nail
Nail or Nails may refer to:
In biology
* Nail (anatomy), toughened protective protein-keratin (known as alpha-keratin, also found in hair) at the end of an animal digit, such as fingernail
* Nail (beak), a plate of hard horny tissue at the tip ...
becomes soft and thin, causing it to easily bend or break. This can result from an inherited condition,
[James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. .] malnutrition, or debility.
Nails often reflect underlying systemic health and nutrition issues. Although overall well-being is not typically determined by nail health,
fissures, nail fissures (or breaks) and calcium spots are minor indications of inner health.
Hapalonychia is known to occur in persons with
myxedema
Myxedema is a term used synonymously with severe hypothyroidism. However, the term is also used to describe a dermatological change that can occur in hyperthyroidism and (rare) paradoxical cases of hypothyroidism. In this latter sense, myxedema ...
,
rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. It typically results in warm, swollen, and painful joints. Pain and stiffness often worsen following rest. Most commonly, the wrist and hands are invol ...
,
anorexia
Anorexia nervosa, often referred to simply as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by low weight, food restriction, body image disturbance, fear of gaining weight, and an overpowering desire to be thin. ''Anorexia'' is a term of Gre ...
,
bulimia
Bulimia nervosa, also known as simply bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging or fasting, and excessive concern with body shape and weight. The aim of this activity is to expel the body of calories eaten ...
,
Hansen's disease
Monster Beverage Corporation is an American beverage company that manufactures energy drinks including Monster Energy, Relentless and Burn. The company was originally founded as Hansen's in 1935 in Southern California, originally selling juice ...
,
Raynaud phenomenon,
oral retinoid therapy, and
radiodermatitis.
See also
*
Nail anatomy
A nail is a claw-like plate found at the tip of the Finger, fingers and Toe, toes on most primates. Nails correspond to the claws found in other animals. Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin, which i ...
References
Conditions of the skin appendages
{{skin-appendage-stub