A nail disorder is any change in the color, shape, thickness, or texture of the fingernails or toenails. Causes range from infection and inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis to injury, aging, and underlying medical issues.

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis), nail psoriasis, ingrown toenails, brittle or splitting nails, discoloration, thickening, and separation of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis).

Fungal nails often look thickened, yellow or white, brittle, or crumbly, and may lift from the nail bed. A provider can often recognize the pattern from clear photos; sometimes a lab test or nail sample is recommended to confirm before starting treatment.

Depending on severity, treatment may include topical antifungal solutions or lacquers, or oral antifungal medication for more extensive infections. Oral treatment tends to be more effective but may require monitoring, and your provider will help you weigh the options.

Yes. Nail psoriasis can cause pitting, ridging, discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. It often occurs alongside skin or joint psoriasis and may respond to topical, oral, or biologic therapy.

Nails grow slowly — fingernails take about 4 to 6 months and toenails 9 to 12 months to fully grow out — so visible improvement is gradual even when treatment is working well.

We can evaluate an ingrown toenail, advise on at-home care, and prescribe medication if there is infection. If an in-person procedure is the better option, we’ll let you know.

If a nail is painful, rapidly changing, or bleeding, or if you notice a new dark streak or pigment in a nail, have it evaluated promptly, as some nail changes need urgent attention.