ABSTRACT:
The finger nails or ungues are hard covering which form the horny zone of the epidermis. They overlie the dorsal aspect of the distal phalanges. Nail diseases are distinct from diseases of the skin. Although nails are a skin appendage, they have their own signs and symptoms which may relate to other medical conditions. The nail disease has clinical signs which reflect patho biologic changes of the nail plate and nail matrix. There are a number of conditions that can affect our nails, with different causes and treatments. Common causes of fingernail problems include injury, infection and skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Topical therapy is highly desirable because of its non-invasiveness, ability to target drugs to the site of action, minimizing systemic adverse effects and improving patient compliance. Continuous exposal of nail to warm, moist environments usually develops nail infection. Nail plate is main route for penetration of drug. Varity of conventional formulation like gel, cream and also oral antifungal are available for treatment of nail infection. The major problem associated with conventional nail treatment for nail disorders is to deliver the active therapeutically. However possible means to enhance nail penetration must be explored in greater depth before effective local treatments for fungal nail infections are developed.