Problems with nails: who to contact

Problems with nail breakage, stains and abrasions – may be a symptom of diseases of the nails themselves, and so a signal about the problems in the whole organism. Only one appearance of the nails to put the diagnosis is often impossible, however changes in their condition can help the specialist figure out what illness you suffer from and prescribe treatment.

When you need a dermatologist?

Yellowing of the nails may be due to the fact that you smoke too much or use a dark varnish, staining the nail plate in yellowish color. If you are not hard-core smokers and do not wear nail Polish, yellow may indicate a fungal disease. In his favour also thickening of the nails, their grayish color, the crumbling, the gap edge of the nail from the bed. Fungal infection treated only under the supervision of a dermatologist and after mandatory laboratory tests.

Thickening of the nail and a change of its shape is often observed in such diseases as eczema, psoriasis, chronic dermatitis, caused by various reasons. The treatment of these diseases is also the responsibility of the dermatologist.

Problems with the nail to what expert to address?

Patients tend to consult a dermatologist if you have any problems with nails, however not in all cases require the assistance of a specialist. So, yellowish nails can be caused not only by the fungus, but disease of the liver – in this case at the edge of the nail visible light bezel, and the signs of destruction of the nail plate usually absent.

There is a widespread belief that the nails become brittle and weak due to lack of calcium. The lack of this element is just one of the many reasons for the variation in the density of nails. Breakage, delamination, and thinning may appear due to constant contact with aggressive detergents, iron deficiency, vitamin D or the use of low-quality enamels and varnishes for manicure. If you solve the problem with cleaning products you can use thick gloves, in order to determine the body's need for trace elements is necessary to visit a therapist he will prescribe tests to determine the level of hemoglobin, calcium and vitamin D in the blood, will help you to choose mineral supplements or iron supplements.

Changing the shape of the nail on the concave requires a visit to the hematologist or internist to determine the level of hemoglobin in the blood, because it is a sign of iron deficiency anemia. But the domed shape of the nails, resembling a convex glass clock – known to doctors a symptom of disease of the heart and lungs. To determine what exactly caused such changes, you will need to visit one expert – much depends on the accompanying symptoms.

Cyanosis of the nails can be a symptom of serious anemia, and diseases of the cardiovascular system – without the advice of a cardiologist and General practitioner in this case is not necessary.

Dark or black spots and streaks under the nail, especially arising spontaneously and not associated with trauma is a reason for immediate treatment to the surgeon. Spot can be a subungual melanoma is an aggressive malignant tumor.