My Nails Changed, So I Went to the Dermatologist
The other day I was feeling kind of down, so I decided to go get my nails done. To my surprise, they looked completely different than they had the last time I’d gone in — it was like all of my nail problems had disappeared, and I hadn’t even noticed! When I went home and told my husband about what happened, he insisted that we go see a dermatologist ASAP to figure out what was going on with our skin. It turned out that there were some issues with what the salon was doing, but we were able to talk about that with our dermatologist at our appointment last week!
Why Do Our Nails Change?
Our nails can tell us a lot about our health; changes in nail color or texture could indicate an underlying medical condition. Dr. Demetrios Demetrios is a podiatrist and dermatologist who sees patients at his Chicago-area practice for nail-related issues. If you notice that your nails are changing, he offers some tips on how to proceed. The first thing people should do if they notice any change in their nails is see their primary care physician, says Dr. Demetrios. Your doctor will ask questions about your lifestyle and habits—such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking medications—to determine what's causing the problem. From there, it's likely that your doctor will refer you to a specialist like Dr. Demetrios for further evaluation. I'll perform a physical exam of both hands to assess both cuticles and fingernails, he says. He'll also take pictures of each hand so he can compare them over time if necessary.
How do You Fix Them?
Your nail can get damaged due to various reasons. If it is caused by external factors such as scratching or exposure to chemicals or some other household products then you can easily fix it. However, if your nails are affected due to internal reasons like diseases and medical conditions then consulting a dermatologist is necessary. To maintain healthy nails you must follow certain precautions and rules. A dermatologist will give suggestions based on your nail changes and you will surely enjoy beautiful nails for long time period. Following are few ways in which you can fix your nails at home:
The first thing that you need to do is stop using nail polish remover since it has harmful chemicals that damage your nails. You should also avoid using sharp objects like scissors and knives while cutting your nails. It is important that you use a moisturizer every day so that they stay strong and healthy. Do not bite them instead use buffing blocks or emery boards to file them down evenly. Also, make sure that there are no hangnails left behind after filing because they may cause further damage to your natural nails later on.
The First Visit to a Dermatologist
A dermatologist will do a visual exam of your skin first. He or she may ask questions about other health issues you might have and your family’s medical history, since many skin conditions run in families. The dermatologist will also ask whether you’ve had any symptoms such as rashes or dandruff and what medications you are currently taking. It is important that he or she know all of these things because some medications can cause specific side effects on your skin that aren’t really related to how they work on their intended area. For example, certain seizure medications can make you more sensitive to sunlight. A good doctor will be able to tell if it’s something unrelated to your medication or if it is actually caused by it. If you think you may have a serious condition, like melanoma (skin cancer), go directly to an emergency room instead of waiting for an appointment with your primary care physician or dermatologist. In fact, most people should see their doctor right away if they notice anything unusual on their skin—even if it isn't changing at all. This way doctors can tell whether something is benign (not cancerous) and treat it before it becomes dangerous.
Shape
Next time you’re going in for a manicure or pedicure and notice your nails changing (specifically thinning or changing color), schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. These can be signs of psoriasis or nail fungus (which can both be treated by a dermatologist). While it may seem like a harmless fashion statement (like getting more acrylics when they get too short), some changes in nail health could mean something more serious is happening inside your body. If you have questions about what to do if you start noticing changes, talk with your doctor—your nails might not look good right now, but they could end up saving your life!
Cuticles
Your cuticles are important for overall nail health and beauty. A dermatologist can help you manage your cuticles. The purpose of a consultation with a dermatologist is not only a diagnosis but also prevention and management of disease. Common diseases include bacterial infections (such as fungal infections), psoriasis, eczema and rashes. The following tips will help keep your nails healthy:
Avoid biting or picking at nails or skin around nails; it damages tissue and makes it easier for bacteria to enter.
Trim them regularly—and don’t forget to push back those cuticles! Trimming keeps them neat, prevents hangnails and ingrown nails.
Keep hands clean by washing frequently with soap and water or an antibacterial hand cleanser if you have frequent contact with people who are ill or who have colds. Wear gloves when appropriate; avoid using hand sanitizers that contain alcohol because they may dry out skin.
Use moisturizer on hands every day after washing; it helps keep skin soft and pliable so that injuries heal faster.
Acrylics are Forever
If you’re ever worried about your fake nails looking wonky or feeling unnatural, go with acrylics. Because they’re applied over a layer of nail underneath and only last a couple weeks (compared to gel nails that can last up to three months), people are more apt to visit their dermatologist every so often for upkeep. This means regular salon visits as well as maintenance at home in between (removing old polish, reapplying glue every two weeks or so). While it may seem like an inconvenience at first glance, these visits build strong relationships and make people more invested in their appearance. But again—they’re forever.
Tips From the Experts
While most people don’t go to a dermatologist for a routine nail-care checkup (we’re guessing), it can be extremely helpful when you do see one for help with nail changes. According to Dr. Jessica Krant, medical director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology and author of Bodiography: Your Skin Can Talk: A fungal infection underneath nails can look like whitish patches or small dots under your nail plate. Onychomycosis occurs in more than 10 percent of people who have diabetes and is caused by a fungus called dermatocelium.