Nail Disorders

Strong, healthy nails say a lot about your health. Likewise, changes in your nails may signal a health problem.

These nail disorders require diagnosis and treatment by a dermatologist.

Nail fungal infections cause the nails to become thick, more easily breakable and sometimes discolored yellow or white. Different types of mold or fungus can grow when they get trapped between the nail and the nail bed.

Sweat and athlete’s foot are common culprits, but there are other factors that can increase your risk, including getting salon manicures and pedicures, living in a hot, humid climate or having a weakened immune system.

Nail psoriasis is condition that causes nail denting or crumbling. It occurs when psoriasis affects the nail bed. Symptoms include crumbling nails, pitting, changes in color, skin buildup under the nails, blood under the nails or the nail separating from the bed,

Misshaped or brittle nails: Brittle, thin, soft or splitting nails can be caused by external factors or may be a sign of disease.

Pitted nails — nails that are filled with tiny icepick marks — could be a sign of psoriasis, an autoimmune disease or another disorder.

A nail infection is a skin infection around the fingernail or toenail. It may be caused by bacteria or fungus. If it is severe or won’t go away, get a dermatologist’s opinion.

Any change in the color of your nails. Some color changes are caused by behaviors, such as wearing red nail polish without a protective base coat, but others are a sign of bigger issues.

Nail melanoma is a less common but more serious condition in which a dark streak shows up on a toenail or fingernail. Look for a dark, black or brown streak on any nail or dark skin next to your nail. The nail may lift and separate from the nail bed or you may see a bump under your nail.

True Dermatology can provide treatment options for all of these nail disorders and more.