Nail disorders can cause changes in color, thickness, texture, shape, or strength, sometimes with pain or separation from the nail bed. At Waterside Dermatology, our doctors look for the underlying cause and provide thoughtful, evidence-based care to restore healthier nails.
Strengthen Damaged
or Brittle Nails
Nail disorders are conditions that affect the appearance, structure, or health of your fingernails or toenails. They may cause discoloration, thickening, brittleness, splitting, lifting, or discomfort and can have several causes. Treatment depends on what is affecting your nails and may include topical or oral medications, changes in nail care, or treatment of an underlying condition, infection, or other contributing factor.
Signs & Symptoms of Nail Disorders:
- Changes in nail color
- Thickened fingernails or toenails
- Brittle or easily broken nails
- Splitting or cracking
- Nail lifting or separation
- Changes in nail shape
- Ridges or grooves
- Pitting or small depressions
- Crumbling or rough nail texture
- Pain or tenderness around the nail
- Redness or swelling around the nail
- Changes that persist or worsen over time
What Causes Nail Disorders?
Nail disorders can develop when the nail, nail bed, or surrounding tissue is affected by infection, injury, inflammation, or another underlying condition. Because your nails grow slowly, changes may develop gradually and persist for months. Identifying the underlying cause is important, since similar-looking nail changes can have very different causes and require different treatments.
Factors and conditions that may contribute to nail changes include:
- Fungal, bacterial, or viral infections
- Repeated injury or trauma to the nail
- Psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions
- Frequent exposure to water or irritating chemicals
- Certain medications or medical treatments
- Aging and natural changes in nail growth
- Habitual nail biting or picking
- Poorly fitting footwear and repeated pressure on toenails
- Repeated manicures or damage from nail products
Treatment for Nail Disorders
Your visit begins with a close examination of your nails and the surrounding skin. Your doctor will ask when you first noticed the changes, whether they have progressed, and if you have pain or any other symptoms. Your medical history, medications, skin conditions, nail-care habits, and possible injuries or exposures may also provide useful clues.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the type of nail changes you’re experiencing. Your doctor may recommend topical or oral medications, changes to your nail-care routine, treatment for an infection or inflammatory condition, or other appropriate therapies. Because nails grow slowly, improvement can take time, and ongoing follow-up may help your doctor monitor progress and adjust your care as needed.
FAQs
How Do I Know if My Nail Changes Need Treatment?
Consider seeing a dermatologist if changes in your nails persist, worsen, cause discomfort, or affect multiple nails. Thickening, discoloration, crumbling, lifting, pitting, or changes in shape can have different causes, so an evaluation can help determine what is happening.
Are All Thick or Discolored Nails Caused by Fungus?
No. Fungal infections are one possible cause, but psoriasis, trauma, aging, and other conditions can produce similar-looking changes. Because treatment depends on the underlying cause, it’s helpful to have your nails properly evaluated rather than assuming you have a fungal infection.
Why Is My Nail Separating From the Nail Bed?
Nail separation can happen for several reasons, including injury, infection, inflammatory skin conditions, or repeated irritation. Your doctor can examine the nail and surrounding skin to help identify the cause and determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Can Psoriasis Affect My Fingernails and Toenails?
Yes. Psoriasis can affect the nails and may cause pitting, discoloration, thickening, crumbling, or separation from the nail bed. If you have psoriasis and notice nail changes, tell your doctor so they can consider whether the two may be related.
Give Your Nails the Care They Need
If changes in your nails are bothering you or simply don’t seem to be going away, getting them checked can give you some much-needed answers. Call Waterside to schedule a consultation for nail disorder treatment in Bradenton, FL, and find out what may be affecting your nails.
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