Koilonychia (spoon nails)

Sign: A rippled deformed nail plate that appears shaped like a spoon (the nail curls upward) and is white or opaque. The index, ring and middle fingers are the most affected.

Cause: By age, tumours, anaemia, hypothyroidism or chronic infection.

Treatment: Treat the infected nails very gently as the nail plate will be fragile.

Paronychia

Sign: This is an inflammation of the fold of skin at the margin of a nail. Acute pain with pus under the nail is a symptom. It often results in inflammation, pus, and pain in and around the cuticle.

Cause: Common among people whose hands are continually in water, or with habit biting.

Treatment: Keep your hands dry, and refer to a physician. Avoid prolonged wet-work and injury to the hands. Wearing gloves during wet work helps prevention.

Pterygium
Describes the common condition of the forward growth of the cuticle on the nail. The cuticle sticks to the nail plate and, if not treated, will grow over the nail to the free edge.