{"id":548,"date":"2026-05-22T11:34:35","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T11:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/?p=548"},"modified":"2026-05-22T11:34:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T11:34:39","slug":"common-nail-issues-a-dermatologist-can-treat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/common-nail-issues-a-dermatologist-can-treat\/","title":{"rendered":"Common Nail Issues a Dermatologist Can Treat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fingernails-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"nail issues\" class=\"wp-image-551\" style=\"width:auto;height:350px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fingernails-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fingernails-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fingernails-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fingernails-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fingernails-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2>Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#Key Points\">Key Points<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Common Nail Issues and What They May Indicate\">Common Nail Issues and What They May Indicate<\/a><a name=\"Key Points\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#When to See a Dermatologist for Nail Concerns\">When to See a Dermatologist for Nail Concerns<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Nail Health Starts With the Right Care Team\">Nail Health Starts With the Right Care Team<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#FAQ\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#References\">References<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr style=\"border-top: 1px solid #ccc; background: transparent;\" \/>\n<h2>\u00a0<\/h2>\n<h2>Key Points<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>A significant percentage of dermatological conditions affect the nails, and many common nail issues point to underlying health concerns that a dermatologist can identify and treat.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fungal infections, psoriasis, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies are among the most frequent causes of finger and toenail issues.<\/b><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>A qualified dermatologist in Greenville can perform specialized diagnostic testing to determine the root cause of nail changes and recommend targeted treatment options.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr style=\"border-top: 1px solid #ccc; background: transparent;\" \/>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Most people do not think about their nails until something goes visibly wrong, like a change in color, a strange ridge, or a nail that begins to crumble. Yet nails are far more than a cosmetic feature. They serve as a protective barrier for the sensitive tissue of the fingertips and toes, and their appearance can offer surprisingly detailed insights into a person&#8217;s overall health.<a name=\"Common Nail Issues and What They May Indicate\"><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10494485\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 percent<\/a> of all dermatological conditions impact the nails, making such issues one of the more common reasons patients seek evaluation from a board-certified dermatologist.<sup>1<\/sup> That also means, if you have been noticing changes in the appearance, texture, or strength of your nails, you are not alone. Consulting a dermatologist is an important step toward identifying the cause and finding the right treatment.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Nail Issues and What They May Indicate<\/h2>\n<p>Nail abnormalities can range from purely cosmetic concerns to warning signs of systemic disease. Below are some of the most frequently diagnosed nail issues that dermatologists encounter in clinical practice.<\/p>\n<h3>Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)<\/h3>\n<p>Onychomycosis is the single most common nail disorder diagnosed in adults, with a worldwide prevalence estimated at approximately <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7509699\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">5 percent<\/a> and a lifetime prevalence as high as 20 percent in some populations.<sup>2<\/sup> This fungal infection typically presents as thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. It is especially prevalent in toenail, as the warm, moist environment inside shoes creates ideal conditions for fungal growth.<\/p>\n<p><b>Common signs of onychomycosis include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Yellowing or browning of the nail plate<\/li>\n<li>Thickening and distortion of the nail shape<\/li>\n<li>Crumbling or ragged nail edges<\/li>\n<li>Separation of the nail from the nail bed<\/li>\n<li>A mildly foul odor in advanced cases<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>While over-the-counter antifungal products are widely available, they rarely penetrate the nail plate deeply enough to resolve the infection. A dermatologist Greenville patients trust can perform a proper fungal culture or nail biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe more effective treatments, such as oral antifungal medications or targeted topical therapies.<\/p>\n<h3>Nail Psoriasis<\/h3>\n<p>Psoriasis is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertmrogersmd.com\/services\/#psoriasis\">chronic autoimmune condition<\/a> that affects the skin, and it frequently involves the nails as well. In fact, research indicates that nail changes are present in up to <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/22841-nail-psoriasis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">50 percent<\/a> of individuals with active psoriasis and may sometimes appear before skin plaques develop.<sup>3<\/sup> Nail psoriasis can affect both fingernails and toenails and is commonly confused with fungal infections due to overlapping symptoms.<\/p>\n<p><b>Distinguishing features of nail psoriasis include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Small dents or pits on the nail surface (nail pitting)<\/li>\n<li>Oil-drop spots, which appear as yellowish-brown discolorations beneath the nail<\/li>\n<li>Onycholysis, or the painless separation of the nail from the underlying bed<\/li>\n<li>Subungual hyperkeratosis, a buildup of chalky material under the nail<\/li>\n<li>Horizontal ridging or crumbling of the nail plate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Because nail psoriasis and onychomycosis can look remarkably similar, an accurate diagnosis from a qualified Greenville SC dermatologist is essential. Treatment may involve topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or systemic medications, depending on the severity of the condition.<\/p>\n<h3>Ingrown Toenails<\/h3>\n<p>Ingrown toenails are among the most common toenail issues seen in both dermatology and podiatry settings. They occur when the edge of the nail <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/ingrown-toenails\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20355903\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grows into the surrounding skin<\/a>, causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. The big toe is most frequently affected.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n<p><b>Contributing factors for ingrown toenails include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Improper nail trimming, particularly cutting nails too short or rounding the corners<\/li>\n<li>Wearing tight or narrow footwear that places pressure on the toes<\/li>\n<li>Genetic predisposition to curved nail shapes<\/li>\n<li>Trauma or repetitive injury to the toe<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Mild cases may respond to warm soaks and proper trimming technique, but recurring or infected ingrown toenails often require professional intervention. A dermatologist can perform a minor in-office procedure to remove the ingrown portion of the nail and, in chronic cases, apply a chemical agent to prevent regrowth of the problematic nail edge.<\/p>\n<h3>Brittle Nail Syndrome<\/h3>\n<p>Brittle nail syndrome (BNS)\u2014characterized by splitting, peeling, and easy breakage\u2014affects an estimated <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6994568\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">20 percent<\/a> of the population, with women disproportionately impacted.<sup>5<\/sup> While brittle nails are sometimes dismissed as a cosmetic nuisance, they can signal nutritional deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, or excessive exposure to water and harsh chemicals.<\/p>\n<p><b>Common causes of brittle nails include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Iron deficiency anemia<\/li>\n<li>Biotin or zinc deficiency<\/li>\n<li>Hypothyroidism<\/li>\n<li>Frequent hand washing or use of acetone-based nail polish removers<\/li>\n<li>Aging-related changes in nail composition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Identifying the underlying cause is key, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertmrogersmd.com\/about\/\">best dermatologist<\/a> will often recommend bloodwork alongside a physical nail examination to rule out systemic contributors.<\/p>\n<h3>Nail Discoloration and Melanonychia<\/h3>\n<p>Changes in nail color should never be ignored. While many causes of discoloration are benign\u2014such as<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-556\" src=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/damaged-nail-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"damaged nail\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/damaged-nail-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/damaged-nail-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/damaged-nail-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/damaged-nail-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/damaged-nail-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> staining from nail polish, minor trauma, or bacterial colonization\u2014dark streaks running the length of the nail (a condition called <a href=\"https:\/\/dermnetnz.org\/topics\/melanonychia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">longitudinal melanonychia<\/a><sup>6<\/sup>) warrant prompt evaluation. In rare cases, a dark band on the nail can indicate subungual melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that develops beneath the nail plate.<\/p>\n<p><b>Warning signs that merit urgent attention include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A new or widening dark streak on a single nail<\/li>\n<li>Pigmentation that extends onto the surrounding skin (Hutchinson&#8217;s sign)<\/li>\n<li>A streak that changes in color, width, or borders over time<a name=\"When to See a Dermatologist for Nail Concerns\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Nail dystrophy or destruction accompanying the pigmented band<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Early detection of subungual melanoma can be life-saving. If you notice any of these changes, scheduling an evaluation with a dermatologist Greenville residents rely on for thorough skin and nail assessments is strongly recommended.<\/p>\n<h2>When to See a Dermatologist for Nail Concerns<\/h2>\n<p>Not every nail change requires medical attention. Minor ridges, small white spots from mild trauma, and slow nail growth are often normal variations, particularly with age. However, certain situations call for a professional evaluation.<\/p>\n<p><b>You should consider seeing a dermatologist if you experience:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Persistent discoloration that does not grow out with the nail<\/li>\n<li>Thickened, crumbling, or misshapen nails lasting more than a few weeks<\/li>\n<li>Pain, swelling, or drainage around the nail fold<\/li>\n<li>Dark streaks or spots beneath the nail plate<\/li>\n<li>Nail changes accompanied by skin rashes, joint pain, or hair loss<a name=\"Nail Health Starts With the Right Care Team\"><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Nails that repeatedly fall off or fail to grow back normally<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Look for a board-certified dermatologist in Greenville who has the training and diagnostic tools\u2014including dermoscopy, nail biopsy, and fungal cultures\u2014to distinguish between conditions that may appear similar on the surface but require very different treatment approaches.<\/p>\n<h2>Nail Health Starts With the Right Care Team<\/h2>\n<p>Your nails are a window into your broader health, and changes in their appearance should be taken seriously rather than masked with cosmetic fixes. Whether you are dealing with chronic toenail issues, unexplained discoloration, or nails that simply will not stop splitting, the experienced team at Rogers Dermatology is here to help.<a name=\"FAQ\"><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>As a trusted dermatologist Greenville patients count on for comprehensive skin and nail care, we offer the expertise to get to the root of your nail concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertmrogersmd.com\/contact\/\">Contact us today<\/a> to set up an appointment.<\/p>\n<hr style=\"border-top: 1px solid #ccc; background: transparent;\" \/>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Can a dermatologist treat toenail fungus, or should I see a podiatrist?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>A board-certified dermatologist is fully qualified to diagnose and treat toenail fungus. Dermatologists specialize in conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, and they have access to advanced diagnostic methods such as fungal cultures and nail biopsies that help confirm the specific type of infection and guide treatment decisions.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">Are nail changes ever a sign of something more serious?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Yes, certain nail changes can indicate underlying systemic conditions, including thyroid disorders, iron deficiency anemia, psoriatic arthritis, and even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.robertmrogersmd.com\/services\/#skin-cancer\">skin cancer<\/a>. Dark streaks beneath the nail, in particular, should be evaluated promptly to rule out subungual melanoma.<\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">How long does it take for a damaged nail to fully grow back?<a style=\"color: #0000ff;\" name=\"References\"><\/a><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Fingernails grow at an average rate of about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/beauty-skin-care\/how-fast-do-nails-grow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3 millimeters per month<\/a>, meaning a completely lost fingernail may take three to six months to regrow. Toenails grow more slowly, at roughly 1 to 2 millimeters per month, and can take 12 to 18 months to fully replace themselves.<sup>7<\/sup><\/p>\n<hr style=\"border-top: 1px solid #ccc; background: transparent;\" \/>\n<h2>References<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Mansi Satasia and Amita H. Sutaria, \u201cNail Whispers Revealing Dermatological and Systemic Secrets: An Analysis of Nail Disorders Associated With Diverse Dermatological and Systemic Conditions,\u201d <i>Cureus<\/i>, September 2023, <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10494485\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC10494485\/<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Alexander K.C. Leung, Joseph M. Lam, Kin F. Leong, et al., \u201cOnychomycosis: An Updated Review,\u201d <i>Inflammation and Allergy-Drug Targets<\/i>, May 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7509699\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7509699\/<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>\u201cNail Psoriasis,\u201d Cleveland Clinic, April 2022, <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/22841-nail-psoriasis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/22841-nail-psoriasis<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Mayo Clinic Staff, \u201cIngrown toenails,\u201d Mayo Clinic, April 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/ingrown-toenails\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20355903\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/ingrown-toenails\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20355903<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Marco A. Chessa, Matilde Iorizzo, Bertrand Richert, et al., \u201cPathogenesis, Clinical Signs and Treatment Recommendations in Brittle Nails: A Review,\u201d <i>Dermatology and Therapy<\/i>, November 2019, <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6994568\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC6994568\/<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Susan J. Huang, MD, \u201cLongitudinal Melanonychia: Brown Line on Nails,\u201d <i>Very Well Health<\/i>, March 2026, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-longitudinal-melanonychia-1069479\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-longitudinal-melanonychia-1069479<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Mariah Adco, \u201cHow Fast Do Nails Grow? Contributing Factors and Tips for Growth,\u201d <a style=\"font-size: revert; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &#039;Segoe UI&#039;, Roboto, &#039;Helvetica Neue&#039;, Arial, &#039;Noto Sans&#039;, sans-serif, &#039;Apple Color Emoji&#039;, &#039;Segoe UI Emoji&#039;, &#039;Segoe UI Symbol&#039;, &#039;Noto Color Emoji&#039;;\" href=\"http:\/\/healthline.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Healthline.com<\/a>, May 2023, <a style=\"font-size: revert; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &#039;Segoe UI&#039;, Roboto, &#039;Helvetica Neue&#039;, Arial, &#039;Noto Sans&#039;, sans-serif, &#039;Apple Color Emoji&#039;, &#039;Segoe UI Emoji&#039;, &#039;Segoe UI Symbol&#039;, &#039;Noto Color Emoji&#039;;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/beauty-skin-care\/how-fast-do-nails-grow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/health\/beauty-skin-care\/how-fast-do-nails-grow<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nail issues can signal serious health concerns. Dr. Rogers explains common nail and toenail issues and when to see a dermatologist in Greenville, SC for diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":551,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[16],"class_list":["post-548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-nail-issues"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=548"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":568,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/548\/revisions\/568"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robertmrogersmd.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}