HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR TWENTY-NAIL DYSTROPHY OR TRACHYONCHIA

Twenty –nail dystrophy is also known as Trachyonychia. It could be said that twenty-nail dystrophy is widespread trachyonchia involving 20 nails. The condition is characterized by longitudinal ridging ( alternating elevation and depression ), pitting, loss of luster and roughening , similar to sandpaper, of the nail surface.

Trachyonychia was first described by Alkiewicz in 1950 and was termed twenty-nail dystrophy of childhood in 1977 by Hazelrigg. Trachyonychia is much more common in children, with an insidious onset and peak age of 3 to 12 years. However it can occur at any age. When associated with alopecia it is more common in males than females.

Causes

·         The cause of twenty-nail dystrophy is unknown, but in some cases it appears to be associated with other skin conditions such as, lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis, and alopecia areata.

·         In some cases an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance has been found .

·         Unknown origin, begin gradually in early childhood. These cases tend to be self-limiting and may resolve with age.  

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include :

·         Nails become grubby, rough and brittle

·         Some nails may become distorted

·         Nail examination shows longitudinal ridging, pitting, roughening, and splitting.

·         Nails lose their luster and may change to a muddy grayish-white color, sand- blasted appearance .

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When twenty-nail dystrophy  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM  30—Antimonium crudum is one of the best remedies for twenty –nail dystrophy, where the nails are very brittle and break very easily. Nails grow out of shape. Dry skin , itching when warm in bed. Horny warts are seen on hands and soles. Thickly –coated white tongue is a leading symptom of Antimonium crudum.

ALUMINA 30—Alumina is indicated , where the nails become brittle and having a gnawing beneath finger nails. Skin is dry , which chaps very easily. Frequent constipation is another leading symptom of Alumina.

CHRYSAROBINUM 30—Chrysarobinum is is best for twenty –nail dystrophy , where it is associated with psoriasis. The nails become dull and develop ridges pits in the nails.

GRAPHITES 30—Graphites is another effective remedy for twenty-nail dystrophy with thickening of nails. Nails grow thick, cracked and out of shape. The nails can break very easily

FLUORIC ACID 30—Fluoric acid is prescribed , where longitudinal ridges are seen on nails. Nails are crippled, and lengthwise corrugations are seen in the nails. Nails grow too fast and grow awkwardly. It is too thick in some cases, but too thin in others. Nails are brittle and break easily.

SILICEA 30-Silicea is indicated for twenty –nail dystrophy with white spots on nails. Nails become crippled and disfigured. Cold feet and palm is characteristic to Silicea. Bad smelling sweat is seen, especially on the feet, hands and arm pits.

THUJA OCCIDENTAILS 200—Thuja occidentalis is prescribed, where the nails become soft , brittle and ribbed. Brown spots are seen on hands and arms. Perspiration sweetish and strong.

For more diseases and their treatment read-EASY PRESCRIBER, and DISEASES OF SKIN WITH HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT