Nail disorders include nail fungus, infections, psoriasis of the nails, lifting, pitting and color changes, and occasionally melanoma under the nail. Paz Dermatology diagnoses and treats nail problems at its Fresno and Visalia, California offices.
When nails change
A change in a nail’s color, texture or shape can be harmless, but it can also be a sign of disease.[2] A common cause is nail fungus, a fungal infection that can affect both toenails and fingernails.[1]
Nail fungus almost never goes away on its own and can spread,[1] but it’s treatable, especially when caught early.[1]
Nail changes to notice
- TreatableNail fungus is treatable, especially when caught early and mild.[1]
What’s behind most nail problems
- Fungus The first sign of a fungal infection is usually a change in the nail, often its color.[1]
- Bacteria and injury Redness and swelling around a nail may mean an infection,[2] and a bacterial infection can turn a nail greenish black.[2]
- Skin conditions Pitting can be a sign of disease,[2] including psoriasis.
- Your overall health Nails that turn yellow, thicken and seem to stop growing can signal something going on inside the body.[2]
- Rarely clearsNail fungus almost never goes away on its own and can spread.[1]
Changes worth a visit
| What you see | What it can mean |
|---|---|
| A new or changing dark streak | Could be melanoma, the most serious skin cancer[2] |
| A discolored, brittle nail with buildup under it | Nail fungus[1] |
| Redness and swelling around the nail | Infection[2] |
| Tiny dents or pits | A skin disease such as psoriasis[2] |
| A nail lifting off | Many causes, often with white discoloration[2] |
| Deep grooves across the nail | Something slowed or stopped nail growth[2] |
Sometimes testing is needed to diagnose nail fungus and treat it effectively,[1] because many nail problems look alike.
The Paz difference
A dermatologist’s look at your nails
Nails are part of your skin, and dermatologists treat them. Here, your provider looks closely at the nail and the skin around it to tell fungus from psoriasis, infection or something that needs a biopsy, then treats the actual cause.
- Dark streakA new or changing dark streak under a nail needs a skin cancer check.[2]
When to see us
Keeping nails healthy
- Keep feet clean and dry, and change socks when they’re damp
- Wear sandals in locker rooms and shared showers
- Trim nails straight across
- Don’t share nail clippers or files
- Choose salons that sterilize their tools
How we treat nail problems here
Nail problems are diagnosed and treated in a regular medical visit. Your provider finds the cause and recommends treatment that fits it. See Medical Dermatology for what a medical visit covers.
What treatment costs
Nail care is medical care, and it’s handled differently from the cosmetic treatments on this site. Our office walks you through what applies to you when you book.
Nail questions, answered
It can be. A new or changing dark streak should be checked for melanoma.[2]
Possibly. Pitting and discoloration are common signs of nail psoriasis.
Often fungus, but yellow, thick nails that stop growing can also signal a health issue.[2]
They can if tools aren’t cleaned properly. Choose salons that sterilize their instruments.
Nails grow slowly, so it can take months for a healthy nail to grow out.
