Nail Disorders

There are several nail disorders that benefit from treatment by a dermatologist.

Nail fungal infections cause the nails to become thick, more easily breakable and sometimes discolored yellow or white. Different types of mold or fungus can grow when they get trapped between the nail and the nail bed.

Sweat and athlete’s foot are common culprits, but there are other factors that can increase your risk, including getting salon manicures and pedicures, living in a hot, humid climate or having a weakened immune system.

Your risk of getting a fungal nail infection increases if you:

  • Have wet feet or hands frequently throughout the day
  • Smoke
  • Spend a lot of time in water
  • Walk barefoot in a pool or locker room
  • Wear tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes, especially if you have sweaty feet
  • Wear plastic gloves for hours every day

Nail psoriasis is condition that causes nail denting or crumbling that occurs when psoriasis affects the nail bed or skin near the nail bed.

Symptoms include:

  • Crumbling nails
  • Pitting
  • Changes in color (turning yellow or brown)
  • Skin buildup under the nails
  • Blood under the nails
  • Nail separating from the bed

Brittle splitting nails, also called onychoschizia, is exactly what it sounds like. The condition causes brittle, thin, soft or splitting nails. The condition can be created by internal causes (affecting all nails) or external causes (affecting only fingernails).

Nail melanoma is a much less common condition, but it’s serious. It’s less likely to be detected, especially for anyone who keeps their nails painted.

Keep an eye out for these changes in your nails:

  • A dark, black or brown streak on any nail
  • Dark skin next to your nail
  • Nail lifting and separating from the nail bed of a finger or toe
  • Nail splitting
  • A bump, nodule or band of color under your nail

Surgical Dermatology Group can provide treatment options for all of these nail disorders.

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FAQs

Patient Resources

Please see the current list of insurance plans we accept below. If you do not see your plan, please contact your insurance company to confirm coverage.

  • Aetna: HMO, PPO, Comm
  • American Postal Workers Union
  • Ascension Smart Health
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS): HMO, PPO, Comm
  • Cigna: HMO, PPO, Comm
  • Cigna HealthSpring
  • Devoted Health
  • Humana: HMO, PPO, Comm
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan
  • Railroad Medicare
  • TRICARE
  • UnitedHealthcare (UHC): PPO, HMO, Comm, AARP
  • Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VA CCN): Managed by UHC
  • Viva: HMO, PPO, Comm

That depends on your insurance plan. If your insurance plan requires a referral from your primary care physician, you will need a referral to schedule an appointment. To determine if you require a referral, or what services are covered by your plan, call your insurance company.

Please remember to complete your patient forms prior to your visit. Bring your photo ID, all insurance cards and a list of any medications you take. Create an account in our secure patient portal. Here you can update your contact and insurance information, send and review messages with providers, check your balance and see upcoming appointments.

Plan to arrive at least 20-30 minutes early if you haven’t completed your paperwork.

During your visit, our providers will review your medical history, then conduct a thorough skin examination in order to make a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, you’ll receive a detailed treatment plan. We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you have.”

Your insurance plan dictates deductibles, copays, coinsurance, networks, etc. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your insurance company or your employer’s benefits coordinator. Plan to pay your copay or any payment required by your insurance at the time of your visit. If you leave a credit card on file when you check in, it will make checking out in the future a breeze.