What is Onychogram?
An onychogram is an exam performed by dermatologists to assess the health of your nails. Also known as a nail exam, an onychogram is a procedure that allows you to identify potential problems and diseases related to your nails, such as fungal infections, psoriasis, onycholysis, among others.
How is the onychogram performed?
An onychogram is performed in a simple and painless manner. The dermatologist will examine the patient's nails, observing their appearance, texture, color, thickness and any visible changes. In addition, the professional may use a magnifying glass or microscope for a more detailed analysis.
What are the main problems detected by the onychogram?
An onychogram can identify a number of nail-related problems. Some of the main problems detected by this exam include:
Fungal infections:
Fungal infections are one of the main causes of nail problems. An onychogram can identify the presence of nail fungus, allowing an accurate diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatment.
Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that affects the skin and can also affect the nails. An onychogram can identify changes characteristic of psoriasis in the nails, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Onycholysis:
Onycholysis is the separation of the nail from the nail bed and can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, infections, or systemic diseases. An onychogram can help identify the cause of onycholysis and guide appropriate treatment.
Other problems detected by the onychogram:
In addition to the problems mentioned above, onychogram can also detect other conditions, such as fragile nails, brittle nails, spots on the nails, among others. These changes can be indicative of more serious health problems, such as liver disease, kidney disease or circulation problems.
How important is the onychogram?
An onychogram is an important exam for nail health, as it allows you to identify problems and diseases that can affect not only the appearance of the nails, but also the patient's overall health. By detecting these changes early, it is possible to start appropriate treatment and avoid future complications.
How are problems detected by onychogram treated?
Treatment for problems detected by onychogram varies according to the cause and severity of the condition. In cases of fungal infections, for example, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. In the case of psoriasis, treatment may involve the use of topical medications, phototherapy or systemic medications.
How to prevent nail problems?
Some measures can be taken to prevent nail problems, such as keeping nails clean and dry, avoiding frequent use of nail polish and nail polish remover, using gloves when performing activities that can damage nails, such as gardening or household cleaning, and avoiding nail biting.
Conclusion
In short, an onychogram is an important exam for nail health, allowing for the early detection of problems and diseases related to them. By performing this exam regularly, it is possible to ensure the health and beauty of your nails, in addition to preventing future complications. Therefore, if you notice any changes in your nails, it is recommended that you see a dermatologist to perform an onychogram and receive the appropriate treatment.
