A horn nail, more formally known as onychogryphosis or ram's horn nail, is a nail disorder characterized by significant thickening, elongation, and increased curvature of the nail plate, often resulting in a yellowish-brown, opaque appearance. It is caused by slow nail plate growth.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
- Thickening: The nail becomes abnormally thick.
- Elongation: The nail grows much longer than usual.
- Increased Curvature: The nail curves excessively, often resembling a ram's horn.
- Opaque, Yellowish-Brown Appearance: The nail loses its transparency and develops a discolored look.
- Slow Nail Plate Growth: This underlies the unusual growth pattern. The slow growth causes the nail cells to accumulate and become misshapen.
While not always painful, a horn nail can cause discomfort, difficulty wearing shoes, and problems with hygiene. Causes can include trauma to the nail, poor circulation, fungal infections, genetics, and neglect of foot care. Treatment often involves trimming, filing, or even surgical removal of the affected nail by a podiatrist.
