Proper nail care is crucial for overall good health but there are situations that may demand professional assessment and maybe nail removal. In the hands of a professional, you can rest assured of having the least risks for injury or infection.
What’s more, a professional can thoroughly assess the underlying cause of your nail problems to ensure that you get appropriate treatments and avoid potential complications. Now, if you’re already thinking of seeing a professional for nail removal, you may wonder if visiting a skin specialist clinic is a good idea.
On this page, we will clarify if a skin specialist can also help with nail removal. We will also touch on the signs you should see a specialist for your nails. Read on!
Can a Skin Specialist Remove Nails?
If you’re seeing your GP for a nail problem which they deem to be complicated, they may refer you to a skin specialist for assessment and tailored treatment. So, yes a skin specialist can also remove nails.
They specialize in the management of various issues of the nail including nail removal which is medically known as nail biopsy. It can be done for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
Nail removal in this case is essentially an extraction of either just a part or the entire nail. Your skin specialist in Singapore may recommend nail removal if you’re troubled with nail irregularities, chronic conditions or infections. To remove the nail, they may turn to any of the methods below;
- Nail avulsion: This involves an extraction of the nail plate. It may be recommended to deal with issues like ingrown toenails or fungal infections.
- Nail matrix biopsy: Biopsying the nail’s base may be recommended to investigate concerns like melanoma.
- Nail bed biopsy: This involves a careful examination of the tissue beneath the nail plate for tumors.
Your skin specialist in Singapore can conduct all the procedures above on an outpatient basis which essentially means that you will not need to spend a night in the facility. If you have any concerns with your nails, it is best not to try DIY approaches to avoid exacerbating the issue. A visit to the dermatologist is what you need for proper nail care and addressing the specific nail-related concerns you may be struggling with.
What are Abnormal Signs of Nails?
Just like any other part of the body, it isn’t a good idea to assume any changes which look out of the ordinary in your nails. A change in shape, color or texture may not seem concerning especially if they are not accompanied by any form of discomfort.
But, they may also be indicative of a disease. In case, you’re not sure what to look for and wondering what are the abnormal signs of nails, here’s a quick summary of some of the most notable nail changes that warrant a visit to the skin specialist;
- Dark Streaks: New or changing dark streaks on nails might signal Acral lentiginous melanoma. This is a severe form of skin cancer that warrants an immediate assessment by a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Redness and Swelling: Redness and swelling around the nail area aren’t natural. These changes could be indicative of Paronychia which is an infection that, if identified early, can often be managed with soaks and antibiotics. However, if an open sore forms, there may be a need for comprehensive treatment to effectively manage the condition.
- Pitting: This condition is characterized by the presence of dents that resemble ice-pick marks on nails. Pitting could suggest underlying conditions like Psoriasis, Atopic dermatitis, or even Alopecia areata. If your nails are developing dents that look more like icepick scars, see your skin specialist in Singapore for proper evaluation and accurate diagnosis. Tailored treatment may be needed to prevent the potential worsening of these conditions.
- Beau Lines: Beau lines come up as deep grooves that run across nails. These deep grooves might indicate a temporary pause or slowdown in nail growth due to various factors like fever, injury, chemotherapy, or stress. Identifying the underlying cause through consultation with a dermatologist or primary care doctor can help restore normal nail growth.
- Koilonychia: These are spoon-shaped thin nails which appear to dip in the middle. They may signal iron deficiency or other underlying health issues. If you have dipping nails, see to it that you get a proper diagnosis and treatment to address potential nutritional deficiencies or health problems that may be associated with this condition.
- Clubbing: This is the gradual curving and swelling of fingertips along with curved nails that might indicate an underlying disease that could be affecting your lungs, heart, liver, or digestive system. Just like with other conditions, if your nails are curving and swelling at the fingertips, your best bet is a thorough assessment by an accredited skin specialist in Singapore for further accurate diagnosis and management of potential underlying health concerns.
- Onycholysis: This condition is characterized by lifting and partial detachment of nails. It can occur due to fungal infections, psoriasis, or injuries. A dermatologist’s examination is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment. A good dermatologist will also give guidance for proper nail regrowth.
- Greenish-Black Color: Discoloration of nails, particularly a greenish-black hue, could signify a bacterial nail infection. Timely treatment is necessary to prevent worsening and alleviate associated discomfort.
- Yellow Nail Syndrome: Yellow, thickened nails that cease to grow might indicate underlying health issues like lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions can be severe so they demand immediate medical attention for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Onychogryphosis: For this condition, you may develop overgrown, thickened nails that resemble a ram’s horns. This condition might occur due to specific diseases or genetic predispositions. If you develop these symptoms, seek care from a podiatrist or dermatologist for proper trimming and treatment.
- Onychotillomania: Grooves and ridges in the center of the thumb due to habitual cuticle picking or pushing may require dermatological assistance to break the habit and encourage healthy nail growth.
- Unexplained Changes: Any unexplained alterations in nail appearance or growth should prompt consultation with a dermatologist or healthcare professional. The skin specialist can help you identify underlying causes and provide suitable treatment or guidance to ensure proper nail regrowth or health.
The Bottom Line
Skin specialists also help with nails so don’t sit and wait if you’ve noted any worrisome changes in your nails. A skilled provider will take their time to assess your nails and guide you on the next way forward or treatment.
To learn more about the type of care you can get from a skin specialist in Singapore in Singapore, for your nails we suggest an appointment with Dr. Uma Alagappan for thorough assessment and treatment. Call or visit Dr. Uma at;
The Derm Clinic: ADULT & PAEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY AND SKIN SPECIALIST, Singapore
321 Joo Chiat Pl,
#05-01A Parkway East Specialist Hospital,
Singapore 427990
+65 6517 9760
OR
290 Orchard Road 09-01/02 Paragon Medical Centre,
Singapore 238859
+65 6320 0310
