Did you know that your nails are a sneak peek at your overall health? The color and texture of your nails can indicate anything from fungal infections to anemia. Although it’s tempting to cover discolored nails with nail polish, it’s important to get to the root of the problem.
At Francine Rhinehart, DPM, we encourage you to seek podiatric care at the first sign of a nail problem. It’s our mission to help you achieve beautiful — and healthy — nails.
Below, we discuss four signs that your nail problems are cause for concern.
Yellow, thickened nails are often associated with fungal infections. Though it’s tempting to hide yellow nails, fungus doesn’t stop at discoloration. Nail infections can also cause:
If you suspect that a fungal infection is causing your nail problems, don’t hesitate to reach out. Swift treatment can help stop the spread of the infection and prevent additional damage to your nails. Dr. Rhinehart treats fungal infections with Q-Clear laser treatments, an innovative procedure that eliminates fungus in as little as 15 minutes.
Deep pits on your nails can be annoying if you’re trying to get a smooth finish with your nail polish, but pits and indentations on your nails can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, such as fungal infections and psoriasis. Psoriasis, for example, is known for causing skin rashes, but when it affects your nails, it can cause pits.
Any time you notice changes to your nails, it’s worth mentioning. According to the experts at Cleveland Clinic, psoriasis isn’t the only condition that causes nail problems. Kidney disease, Darier disease, and arthritis can also lead to nail changes.
Is your nail starting to painlessly detach from your nail bed? Known as onycholysis, nails that separate from your nail bed can make your nail look whitish or opaque before falling off. According to a review, diabetes mellitus can lead to many nail changes, including onycholysis. You may also be more at risk for fungal infections on your feet, too.
If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your feet — not just your nails — daily. Look for any sores, ulcers, or blisters. Because diabetes can contribute to slow-healing wounds, diabetic foot care can help prevent unwanted complications of ulcers or fungal infections.
If your nails make you feel self-conscious, we can help. Whether you want to feel confident walking barefoot at home or sporting open-toe shoes in public, it’s important to feel good about your feet. We can treat underlying podiatric conditions that impact the appearance and health of your foot, and we can also improve the look of your nails with KeryFlex®, an aesthetic nail restoration treatment.
Anytime that you spot nail changes — either in color, texture, shape, or odor — it’s worth a trip to the podiatrist. Whether you’re dealing with yellowed, thick nails or nails that are separating, the team at Francine Rhinehart, DPM can help pinpoint the cause and suggest appropriate treatments.
Call our Dallas, Texas office at 214-865-9968 to request an appointment. Alternatively, you can use our online scheduling tool to book today!
