Any ideas what this could be?

[LisaV]

Hi, I have a client who has very hard working hands as she's a cleaner! Recently she's had issues with a build up of hard skin under her nails. I advised her to go to the doctors in case it was fungal but it's come back clear, they think it might be her thyroid??? Just wondered if anyone has seen anything like this??? Thanks 😘

 

[Trinity]

Hi Lisa

I suspect it's onychophosis - it's simplest explaination is 'A growth of horny epithelium in the nail bed'

Onychophosis definition | Drugs.com (sadly google only seems to show pictures of it on toes mostly)

The eplithelium is the tissue the nail bed is connected to the nail plate with - it can become over grown in some people. I suspect as a cleaner she uses her nails as tools and the skin has started to grow to protect the seal of the hyponychium.

It's going to be difficult to manage, she'd have to be sure to always wear gloves (they say the do but we know better), regular use of Solar Oil will help them become soft and flexible so they don't split and become infected.

HTH

ETA - obviously any potential thyroid issues should be investigated too, but I have seen similar conditions in others with no thyroid issues.

 

[LisaV]

Thank you so much, very helpful x

 

[sds226]

I had this happen on my "contact fingernails" the nails I use to remove polish , apply acetone soaked cotton for gel removal, and the nails I use to swipe a side of nail if gel polish is touching skin. I believe it was contact dermatitis. Mine also tested negative for fungus. I found that it was almost like a callus of dry skin building up under my free edge. I started using a cream that contained A.H.A AND UREA. The combination of the two ingredients softened the skin and returned my hyponychium to normal. Advise her to not do anything that pulls the nail up or separates the nail from bed, like cleaning under nail edge to aggressively or picking the dry skin. Keep area super moisturized oil lotion even antibiotic ointment or hydrocortisone ointment. It should improve if she is diligent. Gel polish may be to hard and cause the nail plate to shift around also causing trauma to hyponychium. I would only use long wear polish like vinylux or opi infinite. Limit exposure to removers or add oil to polish remover to help prevent dehydration.