Hair and Nails

Hair and Nails-

-Alopecia-

-Several different types-
-Alopecia Areata is considered an autoimmune disease.  Causes patches of hair loss over weeks to months.  Some may have spontaneous regrowth
-Alopecia Universalis is global loss of hair, eyebrows, lashes, beard and all body hair.
-Androgenic Alopecia-the most common progressive hairless that occurs through the combined effect of genetic predisposition and the action of androgen on the hair follicles of the scalp.
-Treatment for androgenic alopecia involves oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, and anti androgens



-Onychomycosis-

-chronic infection of the nail apparatus caused by dermatophytes most commonly.
-Also can be caused by candidia and molds
-80% occur on the feet
-a white patch is usually noted at distal nail.  Progressive infection the nail becomes opaque, thickened cracked, and yellow.  Raised by underlying hyperkeratotic debris in nail bed.
-Treatment involves debridement or systemic agents Terbinafine


-Paronychia-

-inflammation of the nail fold produces erythema, swelling, and throbbing pain and extend into the proximal nail fold and the eponychium
-purulent material accumulates and often requires surgical incision and drainage
-antimicrobial coverage with bactrim and cephalexin is necessary