Nail Diseases

Nail diseases are conditions that affect the fingernails and toenails. While signs and symptoms of nail disease are commonly visible on the outside of the nail, they can also affect the nail bed, nail matrix, and/or skin around the nail. Nail diseases can present with a variety of symptoms including discoloration, deformation, splitting, or cracking of the nails. They are often caused by fungal, viral, or bacterial infections, or from medical conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and diabetes. Nail diseases have serious implications for the health of patients, since they can lead to pain and discomfort, the spread of infection, and other potential medical problems. Proper diagnosis and treatment of nail diseases is essential, and may include topical medications, antibiotics, and/or antifungal agents, as well as lifestyle modifications.