Nail disorders (+ nail changes) are frequently manifestations of: general medical disorders, congenital disorders, and systemic disorders. But nail disorders are also frequently seen in the hands of people with an intellectual handicap. Therefore it is important that when an abnormal nail feature is noticed (by for example the general practitioner), a cause or explanation for that change should be sought. One should also be aware of the fact that nail disorders can also be the result of slowly developing nutritional deficiencies - which is a normal evolution in elderly people.

Some diseases are very frequently accompagnied with nail problems. Examples of these high frequency diseases are: psoriatic arthritis, rheumatioi arthritis, psoriasis, and diabetes. In general nail disorders are frequently observed in: cardiovascular and circulatory problems (the heart), gastrointestinal diseases (the liver + kidney), endocrine disorders and viral or bacterial diseases. One should also be aware that nail problems can manifest as a result of the use of alcohol- and drugs.

- NAIL DISORDERS IN DISEASES -

An overview of common diseases: