When to See a Doctor for Fingernail Problems
Fingernails can be a way to make beautiful fashion statements. But, first and foremost, fingernails are designed to protect the ends of your fingers. When fingernail problems arise, the result is not only be unsightly hands. Damaged or diseased fingernails can present mild to serious health problems that should be addressed, so that the situation does not worsen.
At Macomb Hand Surgery in the Clarkston, MI area we understand that with busy today’s schedules, no one wants to take time out of their day for a doctor’s appointment if they don’t have to! This means only going to the doctor’s office for necessary procedures. So, in this article Clarkson, MI area hand specialist Dr. Uzma Rehman provides some tips for deciding when you need to see a doctor for fingernail problem – and when “it can wait” or can be treated at home.
Remember, while doctor’s appointments may feel like an inconvenience, many conditions of the hand, wrist, arm or fingernails can develop into something worse or more painful if not treated promptly. In sever cases, patients can even permanently lose their fingernail of a serious condition is ignored, Early diagnosis and intervention is always the best way to ensure rapid recovery and prevent long term problems.
What Exactly are Fingernails?
Fingernails are actually composed of layers of a hardened protein called keratin. Keratin is also present in your hair and your skin. Noticeable changes in the nails can be a cosmetic problem – but can also indicate a more serious health issue.
Fingernails with noticeable ridges, dents or areas of unusual color or shape can be signs of a problem. Vertical ridges tend to increase with age, and are less-concerning than horizontal ridges. White lines or spots can occur if the nail has been injured, but if these grow out, as the nail grows and heals, they are also not a cause for concern.
When to See a Doctor for Fingernail Issues
Fingernail conditions that typically require consultation with a doctor include:
- Changes in nail color
- Discoloration of the nail or a dark streak in the nail
- Brittleness, cracking or crumbling at the outside edges of the nail
- Changes in the shape of the nail
- Curling or thickening of the nails
- Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin
- Bleeding or swelling in the fingernail area
- Pain in under or around the nails
Fingernail Infection
Any of the above symptoms could indicate the presence of a bacterial or fungal nail infection. And, as with any infection, fingernail infections should be treated with medication. Failure to treat a fingernail infection can lead to permanent damage or even loss of the fingernail, as well as a spread and worsening of the infection.
Typically over-the-counter remedies won’t be strong enough to treat a serious fingernail infection, so self-diagnosis and treatment is not recommended if you suspect a fingernail infection. Consultation with a hand doctor who is specially trained to recognize, diagnose and treat fingernail disorders is important.
Other Fingernail Problems
Just as the “eyes are windows to the soul” fingernails are often “windows to the body” – providing insights into underlying medical conditions that the patient may not even know they have. Fingernail discoloration or changes in shape or thickness can also be the first signs of a more serious illness or disease.
Changes in Fingernail Texture
Split fingernails can be the result of a deficiency of folic acid, and/or vitamin C, and/or protein. While pitted nails can be a sign of psoriasis, which often starts in the nails.
Thick fingernails, however, can be a sign of lung disease, or an underlying circulation problem. And thick nails that also separate from the nail bed may indicate that the person is suffering from thyroid disease or psoriasis.
Changes in Fingernail Color
Yellow fingernails can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, including respiratory disease, chronic bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and in rare case certain cancers.
Similarly, white nails should never be ignored as they can also can be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, including: diabetes, liver disease, congestive heart failure, or kidney failure.
Changes in Fingernail Shape
Fingernails that curve up and away from the nail beds are sometimes called “spoon nails“. This can be symptomatic of iron deficiency anemia, or the liver condition hemochromatosis, in which the body absorbs too much iron from food.
If the tips of the fingers enlarge and the nails curve around the fingertips, this is called “nail clubbing“. It should never be ignored as it is frequently due to a serious underlying condition. It is often associated with lung disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart disease, liver disease and in some cases AIDS.
Top Clarkston Area Fingernail Doctor
Specialized Clarkston area hand and fingernail doctor Uzma Rehman is trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the nails. In many cases prescription oral anti-fungal or anti-bacterial medication is all that may be required. If the nails are in-grown, Dr. Rehman will be able to provide relief and speed the healing of this painful condition as well.
Remember, fingernails aren’t just a fashion statement – they are indicators of your overall health and wellness. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or changes to your finger nails, contact Dr. Rehman today for a full evaluation and comprehensive treatment program. She will identify any underlying medical issues rapidly, so that it can be treated as early as possible – and will return your nails to their healthy state so that they look beautiful and do not become worse.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
