About Nail Disorders
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300192-307x249-psoriasis-nails.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300192-307x249-psoriasis-nails.jpg)
Although nail disorders are often painful and unsightly, they are usually relatively harmless. Many, such as bruises or hematomas, are caused by an injury, even a long forgotten injury. Others, such as white spots and ridges, often have no known cause.
So, if nail disorders are usually harmless, when should you become alarmed? You should contact a doctor at any sign of infection since you might need an antibiotic. These signs include:
- Pus
- Swelling
- Redness
Did you know psoriasis can afflict the nails?
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300197-328x250-bitten-nails.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300197-328x250-bitten-nails.jpg)
Nails damaged due to biting.
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300199-315x213-scalded-hand.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300199-315x213-scalded-hand.jpg)
Scalded fingers and nails
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300203-328x202-toe-fungus.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300203-328x202-toe-fungus.jpg)
This is a fungal toenail infection called onychomycosis.
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300205-225x292-bruised-nail.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300205-225x292-bruised-nail.jpg)
A bruised nail or hematoma
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300207-342x313-onychia1.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300207-340x311-onychia1.jpg)
Onychia on a big toe
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300211-324x218-ingrown-nail.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300211-324x218-ingrown-nail.jpg)
Ingrown nail
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300214-268x299-toe-fungus2.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300214-268x299-toe-fungus2.jpg)
Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the toenail
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![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300217-376x186-nail-ridges2.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300217-340x168-nail-ridges2.jpg)
Vertical nail ridges are usually harmless.
![https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/slide/300219-305x242-nail-hematoma.jpg](https://cf.ltkcdn.net/skin-and-body/skin-conditions/images/std-xs/300219-305x242-nail-hematoma.jpg)
Nail hematoma