A dermatologist is a person who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the hair, skin, and nails. Other conditions like mucous membranes, or the delicate tissue that lines your nose, mouth, and eyelids, are also treated by them.
The most common causes for visiting dermatologists include
- Lesions on the skin
- Acne
- Rashes on the skin
- Pigmentation or discoloration
A dermatologist can also assist spot the signs and symptoms of major underlying health disorders, in addition to these medical and aesthetic difficulties.
Nail specialist dermatology consists of dermatologists who have specialized in nail problems diagnosis and treatment.
As a result, individuals with nail abnormalities should seek therapy from dermatologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating nail diseases. They can also assist in reviving the look of the skin, hair, and nails by addressing aesthetic concerns.
Reasons For Consulting Dermatologist for Nail Issues
Doctors and physicians are trained experts. They look at the condition of your nail and do a thorough examination so that they can make a proper diagnosis and conduct further tests if required. More tests may be performed for these indicators in the nails, and an accurate diagnosis can be made.
Of course, you must also keep an eye on the state of your nails. And in order to do so, you must be aware of when something is unusual.
Healthy fingernails are pinkish-beige in hue. Any change in hue, whether yellow, blue, or purple, might indicate a variety of health problems. Professional nail specialist dermatology will examine your fingernail discoloration and try to figure out what’s causing it.
Doctors and physicians are trained experts. They look at the condition of your nail and do thorough examinations so that they can make a proper diagnosis and conduct further tests if required. More tests may be performed for these indicators in the nails, and an accurate diagnosis can be made.
Of course, you must also keep an eye on the state of your nails. And in order to do so, you must be aware of when something is unusual.
Let’s go through five nail abnormalities to check for with your dermatologist so you can get the help you need.
1. Discolored Nails
Healthy fingernails are pinkish-beige in hue. Any change in shade, whether yellow, blue, or purple, might indicate a variety of health problems. Your dermatologist will examine your fingernail discoloration and try to figure out what’s causing it.
If the discoloration is yellow, it might be caused by a fungus, psoriasis, or thyroid problems. Blue nails are a sign of poor circulation and oxygen deficiency. Similarly, pale, white nails might indicate various problems, including anemia, liver and heart illness, and inadequate nutrition.
2. Bumpy Toes and Toes with Bumpy Toes
To the touch, normal nails are smooth. Bumpy nails are frequently associated with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis or arthritis. These bumps can come in a variety of sizes and numbers. They could resemble a smattering of little depressed or projecting dots or lines. They will appear and feel rough in any case.
3. Swollen Nails
Inflamed nailbeds affect the majority of people at some point in their lives. When the skin around your nail becomes inflamed in any manner, this might lead to nail issues. It might be something as simple as a hangnail or a mild illness.
On the other hand, Swollen nails might indicate more serious problems such as connective-tissue disorders. Your dermatologist can assess the severity of the edema and whether or not further treatment is necessary.
When a fungus infects your nails, they get thicker and discolored. Nails can sometimes crack and pull away from the skin.
A fungal nail infection can be treated with topical antifungal therapy if identified early. On the other hand, many fungal nail infections need antifungal medication that acts throughout the body.
The dermatologists prescribe an antifungal drug, either in tablet or liquid form. The nail can also be treated using laser techniques.
Before beginning any therapy for suspected fungal nail infection, visit a board-certified dermatologist.
Other disorders that resemble nail fungus should not be treated with antifungal medications if you do not have a fungal infection.
4. Nail Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin ailment that can cause pits, ridges, and discoloration in the nails. Underneath the nail, the skin might become a reddish-brown color. Reddish lines may form. The skin and the nails might disintegrate, break, and separate.
People with any kind of psoriasis can develop these nail abnormalities. Nail alterations are sometimes the first symptom of psoriatic arthritis. It is a kind of arthritis that can develop in persons with psoriasis. Psoriasis of the nails can affect one or more nails and can be uncomfortable.
Phototherapy, systemic medicines, and cortisone injections are some of the therapies for nail psoriasis.
5. Nails That Have Split
Nails in excellent health uniform in color and texture are also firm. It is quite normal for the fingernails and toenails to face some damage, but they should endure even little physical trauma.
If your nails crack or split with hardly any effort, it is a sign that your body may be deficient in certain nutrients. Split nails might also indicate a thyroid issue or a fungal infection. Weak nails, in any event, are a warning indicator that dermatologists and physicians take seriously.
6. Brittle Nails
The nail bed can be injured by forceful stubbing, falling a large object on the toe, or some other trauma, causing the nail to develop in a malformed manner. The nail might be ridged or thickened. The thickening of nails is a natural part of the ageing process.
Regular expert treatment might help brittle toenails. A nail specialist dermatology will look at your nail and will improve the condition of your toenails by clipping, shaping, and caring for them, as well as identifying and treating more significant nail disorders.
When Should I Consult a Dermatologist?
Nail disease can be difficult to cure. The best outcome comes from early detection and adequate treatment. If you observe any unexpected or uncomfortable changes in your nails, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for an examination and, if required, therapy.
