Nail conditions
“Our nails affect our health. They are, in fact, much like a canvas on which life paints itself- offering important clues to our health and lifestyle habits, including underlying medical conditions.”
Abnormal nails are commonly due to infections or nail injury. Certain nail conditions may also be a sign of underlying more serious medical conditions.
There are many nail conditions which our dermatologist sees and treats-
- Infections are common including fungal or bacterial infections, causing thickened nail plates or painful red swelling at the skin folds.
- Nail injury causing black nails (subungual hematoma- bruise under nail plate)
- Inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can cause rough nails.
- Black lines or bands on the nail plate (Longitudinal Melanonychia) is usually benign, but it is important to evaluate for possible skin cancer of the nail (melanoma).
- Painful ingrown nails and pincer nails
- There are also lumps or growths that can occur under or around the nail, and rarely due to underlying cancer.
- Certain specific nail colour or nail features may be a sign of underlying health issues (such as anemia, liver or kidney disease)
Treatment for Nail Conditions
Treatment is dependent on the underlying causes and may include-
- Topical treatment for fungal or bacterial nail infections.
- Oral antifungal medication or antibiotics are necessary for more extensive infections
- Surgery for ingrown and pincer nails (Partial nail avulsion and lateral matricetomy-see nail surgery section)
- Nail matrix biopsy may be required to evaluate longitudinal melanonychia
Dr Tay Liang Kiat discusses nail problems in the Straits Times.
“Our nails affect our health. They are, in fact, much like a canvas on which life paints itself- offering important clues to our health and lifestyle habits, including underlying medical conditions.”
DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.
Medical Dermatology
Meet your Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat
Dermatologist
Dr Tay Liang Kiat is a fully accredited Dermatologist who specialises in skin cancers, Mohs micrographic surgery, dermatologic and nail surgery, aesthetic dermatology and laser procedures. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, he also manages other aspects of general ambulatory and inpatient dermatology, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, hair loss, children skin issues and other complex medical dermatology. In addition, he has expertise in the use of the latest immunotherapy (biologics) treatment for severe eczema, psoriasis and urticaria.
