Damaged nail help

[Ophala]

I wonder if anyone can help. My nana has a very badly damaged index finger - about 20 yrs ago she cut her finger on a tin can lid quite badly and has obviously damaged the matrix.

since then her nail has grown very thickened and ridged, and bruised looking underneath. i think she may have even had the original nail removed when she first injured it.

the cuticle is very tough and grows quickly on that nail but i don't like to do too much to it as it can be a bit sore and sometimes gets a bit more bruised underneath after.

she would quite like gels on her nails. she's had wraps before but is letting my practise my gels on her. i just wondered if u think this will be a problem at all given the condition of the nail, or if i should take any specific precautions??

anyway, hope u can help - here are a few pics so u can see (sorry if they're not as clear as could be, my camera was playing up!) xx

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/ophala/IMG_0901.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/ophala/IMG_0902.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x204/ophala/IMG_0903.jpg

 

[Jogels]

First question: I know this happened 20 years ago but when was the last time she saw a doctor or even a dermatologist about this nail? Perhaps this might be the first place to start. Has she tried any medications, prescriptions or topicals (tea tree, Thymol etc.)??

I can see why she'd like gels, it does look nasty!

Has she ever tried filing the thickness down?

Keep us posted.

 

[littlegrohl]

Looks like Onychauxis
Its pretty common in aging people especially if they have had some form of damage early on to their nails or nail bed.. also common in diabetics and fungal nail sufferers.

You shouldn't touch this nail untill she has seen a doctor.. Just my advice.

 

[Ophala]

it's definately not fungal - it's been like it for years and years and is down to the damage caused to it as far as i'm aware. i've performed treatments on her many times without a problem (except once bleeding a few days after when cuticle was pushed too much).

as for filing it down - she has had manicurists do that before but i don't really want to incase i do more damage!

 

[xAnnaBannAx]

That nail looks really nasty and I dont think you should be doing anything to it until she has seen and been advised by a doctor.

 

[cups1974]

Im with the other geeks Gram should have that looked at. if she fusses tell her it will help you with your studys

 

[Annebet]

Hiya my mum had the same problem but it was on her toe nail it was damaged when she was young and it use to grow back the same as your nans i bought tolnafoil anti fungal cuticle oil and she used it for two week and it has cleared up and her new nail is growing through really well so i would try that as my mum as used all sorts from the doc and none of the treatments worked my stepmum used it on her toe as well and she says it has cleared up to so you could give it a try and see how she goes if it doesnt work its ok as it is only cuticlie oil so it wont do any damage anyway. you can get the oil at sensual world this is there link Welcome to The Sensual World Nail Care Online Store,Nails, Nail Supplies, Nail Extensions, Acrylic Nails,Gels, Manicure Products,Nail Kits,Resin and all your professional needs.

 

[Ophala]

oh ok, maybe i'll do that. she's just gone on holiday so will get her to go when she gets back maybe

 

[littlegrohl]

it's definately not fungal - it's been like it for years and years and is down to the damage caused to it as far as i'm aware. i've performed treatments on her many times without a problem (except once bleeding a few days after when cuticle was pushed too much).

as for filing it down - she has had manicurists do that before but i don't really want to incase i do more damage!

No hun i didn't say it was fungal nail.. i said that onychauxis can be caused by fungal nail.. It is probably more to do with her age.. past trauma.. i'm not sure if she is diabetic but that can be a attribute as can psoriasis..
either way.. if a client came to me and i classed it as a contra-indication or a disorder ..my action would be to advise her to see a doctor and then return..
It can be a simply as the doc saying.. go ahead.. but it may be easily treatable with topical cream and a treatment plan of action from you..

 

[Ophala]

ah ok, yeh i'll tell her when she gets back. if she was a client i would probably tell her to see a doctor. she isn't diabetic though x

 

[Ophala]

just thought i'd update you - my nana got back from hol this week and the nail's got much worse. it hasn't been this bad for years. it's starting to lift near the cuticle and is slightly split down the middle.

she's been to doc and they've said if she wants to see a specialist she can so think she is going to. think im doing gels for her next week.......but will have to be a 9 finger set - i'm not touching it now!!