ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS

Onychogryphosis is characterized by an opaque, yellow-brown thickening of the nail plate with elongation and increased curvature. It is type of nail dystrophy, onychogryphosis is the rampant growth of the toenails most often in the big toe, also called ram’s horn nails, one or more toenails grow considerably faster than the others.

Onychogryphosis describes the claw-like hypertrophy and thickening of the entire nail plate.

RISK FACTORS OF ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS

• poor circulation
• type 2 diabetes
• bunions (hallux valgus)
• Gout
• Ichthyosis
• peripheral vascular disease (PVD)
• syphilis
• family background or genetic predisposition
• pemphigus
• paronychia

MANAGEMENT OF ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS

• Mechanical debridement with a nail clipper to shorten the nail and remove subungual hyperkeratosis.
• Blunt dissection with a nail clipper after medical nail avulsion.

PREVENTION OF ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS

• Wash your feet in soap and water regularly. Dry them off with a towel afterward.
• Keep your feet dry.
• Wear flip-flops or other shower shoes in a locker room or pool.
• Manicure your nails.
• Use disinfected tools when trimming your nails

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF ONYCHOGRYPHOSIS

Silicea -  is an excellent remedy for fungal affections of the nails, especially if white spots appear on the nails. Nails are rough, yellow, crippled, brittle, and having white spots. Ingrowing toe nails with flesh and pus. Finger tips as if suppurating (undergo the formation of pus; fester). Finger tips dry, painful at night. Cold feet and arms. Offensive smelling sweat from the feet, hands and armpits is characteristic to Silicea.

Antimonium crudum  - effective for fungus infection of nails, especially toe nails. Horny or split nails. Nails grow slowly out of shape. Horny growth under the nails. The person also suffering from horny warts oh hands and soles. Feet very tender and callosities are seen on soles.

Graphites  - prescribed when nails become brittle and crumbling. Nails deformed, painful, sore, thick and crippled. Nails thick, rough ingrown. Cracks and fissures are seen on tip of fingers. Feet cod and wet and burning in soles and heels is characteristic.

Bufo Rana - is effective for panaritium (also called dactylitis, an acute inflammation of a digit, most often a finger), swelling blue black around nail , pain in streaks up arm.

Flouric Acid - is best where splinter like pain under the nail is experienced. The nails distorted, crumble, grow rapidly. Longitudinal ridges are seen on the nails. Soreness between the toes. Painful corns are seen.