Coronavirus infection may cause a nail disease called COVID nails (or "coronavirus nails") in certain persons (COVID-19). Nail alterations, such as darkening of the nail bed, nail loss, or the formation of black lines or patches on the nails, are diagnostic of chronic opportunistic viral infection (COVID). These alterations may take place at any time throughout or after the course of the illness. It is still being determined how prevalent COVID nails are. However, they have been documented in a few persons who have undergone COVID-19. Changes in blood flow or inflammation in the nail bed may be associated with COVID nails, albeit this is just a hypothesis. Nails affected by COVID usually clear up and cause no lasting damage.
What Are Covid Nails?
Changes in the look of the nails, known as COVID nails, may be seen in certain people infected with the COVID-19 virus. Among the potential alterations are the following:
- Nail discoloration may manifest as the digits' yellowing, browning, or blueing.
- As a result of the injury, the nails may show internal flaws such as black or purple patches or lines.
- Nails may grow brittle and eventually fall off or become so thin that they break easily.
- It's crucial to remember that COVID nails aren't an accurate predictor of COVID-19 infection and vice versa; just because someone has COVID nails doesn't guarantee they're infected with the virus. Various medical issues, such as eczema or fungal infection, may also bring nail discoloration or alteration.
What Causes Covid Nails?
More study is required to determine the frequency and etiology of COVID nails. The effects of COVID on the immune system, as well as the inflammation and alterations in circulation that might occur during infection, are hypothesized by some specialists to be the root cause of COVID nails.
Possible links between COVID nails and other COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, and trouble breathing, are explored. These symptoms may affect blood flow and oxygen levels in the body, which might explain why COVID nails appear. Nail quality may be affected in COVID-19 patients by underlying conditions such as malnutrition or dehydration.
How Common Are Covid Nails?
As of now, the prevalence of COVID nails is unknown. A few examples have been documented, but additional study is required to determine their true frequency and origin. Remember that COVID nails are not a certain way to diagnose COVID-19 infection and that just because someone has COVID nails does not guarantee they are infected with the virus.
How Is Covid Nail Disease Diagnosed And Treated?
If you notice a change in your nails' look and are worried about a COVID-19 infection, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. To discover the reason for the changes in your nails, your doctor will inquire about your medical history and symptoms, do a physical examination, and maybe order further diagnostic tests. What causes the alterations in COVID nails will determine how they are treated. In the case of COVID-19-related nails, supportive therapy for managing flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, may be recommended. Your doctor may also suggest medication or other therapy to help treat the underlying cause of your nail abnormalities. If your healthcare professional determines that the COVID nails are due to an underlying ailment, such as a fungal infection, they will prescribe treating that problem instead. Occasionally, nail changes may be treated with time alone.
How Can Covid Nails Be Prevented?
The best way to stop COVID nails from spreading is yet unknown. Still, precautions should be taken to avoid further COVID-19 transmission.
Conclusion
People infected with the coronavirus that causes disease (COVID-19) may develop a condition known as COVID nails. Nail alterations, such as darkening of the nail bed, nail loss, or the formation of black lines or patches on the nails, are diagnostic of chronic opportunistic viral infection (COVID). These alterations may take place at any time throughout or after the course of the illness. Changes in blood flow or inflammation in the nail bed may be associated with COVID nails, albeit this is just a hypothesis. Nails affected by COVID are a rare sign of COVID-19. Nails affected by COVID usually clear up and cause no lasting damage. COVID nails often clear up without therapy, so it's unclear whether they need medical attention.
