3 Reasons to See A Dermatologist for Nail Issues

A dermatologist may not be the first medical professional you think of when you have nail issues on your fingers and toes. However, dermatologists are uniquely qualified to treat nail issues and provide insight into any health conditions that are indicated by a change in the color, texture, or shape of your nails.

The Lone Star Dermatology Clinic team helps patients in San Antonio, TX and Live Oak, TX treat fingernail and toenail issues. Keep reading to find out why you should see a dermatologist for skin and nail conditions.

Nail issues that a dermatologist can treat

Dermatologists are trained to deal with various skin, scalp, hair, and nail conditions.

Some nail issues that you can ask a dermatologist about include:

Redness and swelling around the nail beds - These can be signs of an infection that require antibiotics.
Green or black nails - While this can result from an injury, it may also indicate a bacterial infection.
Dark streaks under nails - In rare cases, this can be a sign of melanoma, which should be treated as early as possible.
Grooves or pits in the nails - This can signify you're suffering from a condition such as psoriasis or eczema.
Nails that lift up from the nail bed - This can indicate a fungal infection or skin condition such as psoriasis.
Yellow, thin, or concave nails - This may be a sign that you're suffering from a serious health condition that affects the lungs or digestive system and requires medical intervention.

Thick, hard-to-cut nails - This can indicate conditions ranging from psoriasis to poor circulation, and it often requires a dermatologist's intervention to cut and treat these nails.

Three reasons to see a dermatologist for nail issues

Dermatologists can spot the signs of skin conditions by looking at your nails.

Discolored or lifted nails can be a sign of a more significant, systemic skin condition. Many skin conditions are hard to identify precisely, which can affect treatment success. However, every extra clue helps, and those signs may lie underneath your nails. In fact, a problem may start with your fingernails - and if it's addressed early, it may never spread further.

Seeing a dermatologist about nail issues can help you get a diagnosis for health conditions early.

Whether it's a dark streak that could indicate melanoma or white nails that signal diabetes or anemia, the color and condition of your nails can tell a dermatologist a lot about your overall health. The sooner you talk to the Lone Star Dermatology Clinic team about your nail issues, the sooner they can refer you to the appropriate treatment professional.

Getting a diagnosis early by catching unexpected signs of more significant problems can even help save your life.

A dermatologist can use the health of your nails to determine if you have scalp or hair issues and help determine the best treatment.

Many people struggle with thinning or shedding hair. But the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis. By looking at the condition of your nails, the Lone Star Dermatology Clinic team can help you pinpoint the exact cause and direct you to the best treatment. Dermatologists are specifically trained in dealing with scalp disorders that lead to hair thinning.

Get treatment for nail issues in San Antonio, TX and Live Oak, TX

If you have weak, thick, discolored, or lifting nails on your fingers or toes, the team at Lone Star Dermatology Clinic can help. Seeing a professional early can allow for early intervention to prevent any serious conditions from progressing.

If you're having nail issues and live in or around San Antonio, TX and Live Oak, TX, schedule an appointment with our team today.