Nail Disorders
The nails can often be affected by conditions that impact the shape, color, and thickness of nails.
If you are experiencing changes to your nails, a board-certified dermatologist can help with diagnosis and treatment.
What are common changes that can occur to the nails?
Some of the changes we see include:
Onycholysis: lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed
Onychorrhexis: splitting of the nail plate
Hyperkeratosis: thickening of the nail plate
Pitting: small depressions within the nail plate
Koilonychia: spoon shape to the nail plate
Longitudinal melanonychia: dark bands in the nail plate
What can cause nail changes?
Sometimes, a biopsy or culture may be needed to determine the exact cause. Conditions that can affect the nails include:
Infections, including nail fungus
Trauma
Certain skin conditions, like psoriasis and lichen planus
Internal medical conditions (iron deficiency, thyroid disorders, lung disease)
Benign and malignant growths
Medications