Fingernails are prone to a variety of changes in shape and texture as the results of a variety of systemic disorders. Often, changes in nail health can be the first sign of an underlying condition.
At Greenwich Point Dermatology in Greenwich, CT, Dr. Dolder can help you diagnose your nail health, either suggesting treatment, or referring you to the appropriate physician who can help manage and treat your systemic disease or condition.
What causes nail changes?
Nail disorders can manifest due to a variety of issues, from infection, injury, medications, autoimmune disease, and other internal diseases, such as diabetes, cancer or impaired organ function.
What changes in nail health could suggest an underlying systemic condition?
There are a few nail characteristics that hint at a bigger, underlying condition. They include:
- Onycholysis is a separation of the fingernail from the nail bed and is often associated with thyroid disease.
- Beau’s lines are indentations across the fingernail that can form as a result of injury, poor diet, fever, or drug sensitivity.
- Pitted nails can be a sign of psoriasis, arthritis, sarcoidosis, pemphigus, alopecia areata, and other connective tissue disorders.
- Nail clubbing, or extreme curvature, may be hereditary or associated with pulmonary, cardiac, gastrointestinal, infectious, endocrine, vascular, and multisystem diseases.
- Koilonychia manifests as thin nails that are concave and spoon-like in shape. They can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, trauma, constant exposure of hands to petroleum-based solvents, or nail-patella syndrome.
What are my treatment options for nail disorders?
Treatment for nail disorders depends on the underlying cause. From ointments and creams, to oral medications, Dr. Dolder can help set you on the right path to finding treatment.
If you have noticed changes to your nails, come visit Greenwich Point Dermatology for a consultation to determine if a more severe underlying condition could be the cause. To book, please contact us here or email info@greenwichpointderm.com.