Changes in your fingernails or toenails are often more than cosmetic. Discoloration, thickening, ridges, splitting, or changes in nail shape can be signs of infection, skin conditions, injury, or other medical concerns.
At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, we diagnose and treat a wide range of nail disorders, helping patients restore healthy nails while identifying conditions that may require medical attention.
Our dermatology providers evaluate many different nail concerns, including:
Schedule an evaluation if you notice:
Some nail changes are harmless, while others may signal infection, inflammatory skin disease, or, in rare cases, skin cancer.
Many factors can affect nail health, including:
Fungal Infections
One of the most common causes of thick, yellow, brittle toenails.
Psoriasis
Can cause pitting, thickening, discoloration, and lifting of the nail.
Eczema
May affect the skin around the nails and occasionally alter nail growth.
Injury
Trauma may cause bruising, nail separation, or permanent nail changes.
Aging
Nails naturally become thicker and more brittle over time.
Medical Conditions
Occasionally, nail changes reflect underlying health conditions that deserve further evaluation.
Your dermatologist will carefully examine the affected nail and surrounding skin.
Depending on your symptoms, evaluation may include:
Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward successful treatment.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Options may include:
Most nail problems are not emergencies, but certain changes deserve prompt evaluation.
Seek medical care if you notice:
Early diagnosis is especially important because melanoma can occasionally develop beneath a fingernail or toenail.
No. While fungal infections are common, psoriasis, injury, aging, and other conditions can produce similar changes.
Most fungal nail infections require treatment and rarely resolve without medical care.
Vertical ridges often develop with age. Deep grooves or sudden changes should be evaluated.
Most white spots result from minor nail injury and eventually grow out with the nail.
Yes. Although uncommon, melanoma can develop beneath a fingernail or toenail, making new dark streaks or changing nail pigmentation important to evaluate.
Discover how eczema may contribute to nail and surrounding skin changes.
Many inflammatory skin conditions can also affect the hands, feet, and nails.
Some nail changes require evaluation to rule out skin cancer, including melanoma beneath the nail.
Expert care focused on long-term skin health.
Comprehensive care for children and adults
Personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms and lifestyle
Convenient locations throughout Northwest Arkansas
Changes in your fingernails or toenails may be caused by fungal infections, psoriasis, eczema, injury, aging, or other medical conditions. Common symptoms include thickened nails, discoloration, brittle nails, nail lifting, ridges, and pain around the nail. At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, PLLC, we diagnose and treat a wide variety of nail disorders, helping patients throughout Northwest Arkansas restore healthy nails while identifying conditions that may require additional evaluation, including skin cancer beneath the nail.
Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, PLLC proudly serves patients throughout Northwest Arkansas with convenient locations including:
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Wednesday - Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
Monday – Thursday, 8 am – 5 pm
