Is Your Nail Condition Serious? When to Seek Professional Care
- Mar 7
- 8 min read
Nail conditions can affect anyone, leading to discomfort, pain, and in some cases, the need for medical intervention. While minor nail issues can often be managed at home, certain conditions require the expertise of a dermatologist. At Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic in Singapore, we specialise in treating complex nail conditions with a comprehensive approach, including surgical options when necessary.
This guide will help you understand common nail issues, such as ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, and nail dystrophy, and clarify when surgery may be the best course of action.
Common Nail Conditions and When to Seek Help
Nail health is more than just cosmetic; it can reflect broader health issues and, if neglected, certain nail conditions can escalate and cause severe discomfort. Some of the most common issues include ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections, and nail dystrophy, each of which can lead to pain, infection, and potential complications if untreated.
Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail begins to grow into the surrounding skin, often due to improper trimming, tight shoes, or injury. It typically causes pain, redness, and swelling around the nail. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail can worsen, potentially leading to infection as the nail digs deeper into the skin. This condition may initially be managed with warm soaks and loose footwear, but chronic or worsening cases often require professional ingrown toenail treatment to prevent further complications.
Fungal Nail Infections:
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are another prevalent issue, especially in toenails frequently exposed to moisture. These infections often cause the nail to become thickened, discolored, and brittle, and can spread to surrounding skin if left untreated. While topical antifungal treatments can help mild cases, severe infections may require oral medications or laser treatments for effective results. Without proper intervention, a fungal nail infection can damage the nail bed, leading to long-term nail dystrophy or complete nail separation.
Nail Dystrophy
Nail dystrophy is a broader term that describes any structural abnormality of the nail, which may result from injuries, infections, or underlying conditions like psoriasis. Dystrophic nails often appear thickened, ridged, discolored, or may even detach from the nail bed. Due to their similarity in appearance, nail dystrophy is frequently confused with fungal infections, making accurate diagnosis essential. Treatment varies based on the underlying cause, ranging from topical and oral medications to specialized procedures that restore nail health and structure.
If you’re experiencing persistent toe pain, swelling, nail discoloration, or other abnormal changes, it’s essential to seek professional help. At Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic, we provide expert evaluation and treatment for a range of nail conditions, ensuring accurate diagnosis and tailored care for optimal recovery and nail health.
Understanding Ingrown Toenail Treatment
An ingrown toenail occurs when the nail's edge grows into the surrounding skin, typically causing pain, redness, and swelling. This condition commonly affects the big toe and can result from improper nail trimming, wearing tight or narrow shoes, injury, or simply having naturally curved toenails. As the nail continues to press into the skin, the area becomes increasingly irritated and can eventually become infected, leading to additional symptoms like warmth, pus, or even a foul odor around the nail.
Initially, mild ingrown toenails can often be managed at home. Soaking the foot in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and soften the skin. Keeping the feet dry, wearing open-toed shoes, and avoiding pressure on the affected toe can also provide relief. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to seek professional care, especially if there is ongoing pain, swelling, or signs of infection.
Seeking professional ingrown toenail treatment not only relieves current symptoms but also helps prevent recurrences and more serious complications. If you experience persistent toe pain, inflammation, or notice any infection signs, the team at Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic is here to provide effective, tailored care to restore your nail health.
Treating Fungal Nail Infections Effectively
Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, occur when fungal organisms invade the nail bed, leading to nails that are thickened, discoloured, and often brittle. This condition is particularly common in Singapore’s humid climate, where warm, moist environments create ideal conditions for fungal growth. If left untreated, a fungal infection can spread to surrounding nails or skin, sometimes causing nail dystrophy, an irreversible deformity of the nail structure.
Over-the-counter remedies rarely reach deep enough into the nail bed to fully clear the infection, especially if the infection has persisted for a while. At Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic, we offer a range of effective treatments to target fungal infections and prevent their spread. For mild cases, topical anti-fungal medications may be prescribed, although these are often more effective when combined with oral anti fungal medications to tackle the infection from within.
For stubborn or extensive infections, laser therapy is another option. Laser treatment targets the infected area with precise energy that penetrates the nail, destroying fungal cells without harming surrounding tissue. This approach is ideal for patients who may not tolerate oral medications and can also enhance the effectiveness of topical treatments.
In severe cases where the infection does not respond to medications or laser therapy, surgical removal of the infected nail may be necessary. By removing the affected nail, we create an environment where healthy nail tissue can grow back without interference from the fungal infection. Surgical removal is typically done under local anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort during the procedure.
Prompt treatment of fungal nail infections not only improves nail appearance but also prevents long-term damage and the spread of infection. If you’re experiencing persistent nail changes or suspect a fungal infection, reach out to Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic for expert care and tailored treatment options.
Nail Dystrophy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Nail dystrophy is a term that encompasses a variety of nail abnormalities affecting growth, texture, and appearance. Often resulting from trauma, infections, or underlying health conditions, nail dystrophy can manifest in several ways. Affected nails may appear thick, ridged, discoloUred, brittle, or even lift away from the nail bed. Diagnosing nail dystrophy accurately is essential, as it can mimic other conditions like fungal infections, psoriasis, or eczema, each requiring different approaches to treatment.
Nail dystrophy can be triggered by:
Physical trauma
Injury to the nail bed or nail plate can disrupt normal nail growth.
Infections
Conditions like fungal infections can cause nail thickening and discoloration over time, leading to nail dystrophy if untreated.
Systemic health conditions
Diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, or circulatory disorders can affect nail health, causing dystrophic changes.
Due to these varied causes, a careful assessment is necessary to determine the underlying factors contributing to nail dystrophy.
Dystrophic nails may present with:
Thickening or thinning of the nail plate
Ridges or grooves across the nail surface
Discoloration, ranging from yellowish to brown or grey
Brittleness or splitting of the nail
Separation from the nail bed (onycholysis), which can result in detachment
These symptoms can worsen if left untreated, leading to more pronounced deformities and potential pain or discomfort.
Treatment:
At Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic, we offer a range of treatments tailored to the severity and underlying cause of nail dystrophy. For mild cases, topical or oral medications may help manage symptoms and restore nail health. If the dystrophy results from a fungal infection, anti-fungal therapies are often effective. In more complex or severe cases, surgical options such as nail avulsion (removal of the affected nail) or matrix biopsy (sampling the nail matrix to diagnose root causes) may be recommended. Nail avulsion allows the nail to regrow in a healthier state, while a biopsy can provide insight into underlying conditions that may require long-term management.
At Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic, our specialised dermatologists create personalised treatment plans, focusing on improving both the health and appearance of nails impacted by dystrophy. If you experience persistent nail abnormalities, consult with us for a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment options.
When Nail Surgery is Necessary
In some cases, nail surgery is the most effective solution for addressing persistent nail conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments. Surgery may be needed to resolve issues like ingrown toenails, severe fungal infections, or advanced nail dystrophy that impair nail function and increase the risk of infection. Here’s a closer look at when surgery is necessary and what you can expect.
Conditions That May Require Nail Surgery
Recurrent Ingrown Toenails:
Ingrown toenails occur when the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing significant pain, swelling, and infection. When conservative measures, like soaking and trimming, fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery for ingrown toenails, such as partial nail avulsion, removes the ingrown portion to prevent recurrence and alleviate chronic discomfort.
Persistent Fungal Nail Infections:
Fungal infections can be particularly stubborn, sometimes persisting despite the use of topical or oral anti-fungals. In cases where the infection affects multiple nails or begins to spread to the surrounding skin, nail avulsion may be recommended. Removing the infected nail helps eliminate the fungal growth and allows a healthy nail to regrow.
Severe Nail Dystrophy:
Nail dystrophy, which includes conditions that alter nail appearance, structure, and function, can sometimes become painful or pose an infection risk. In these instances, surgery can help restore nail health. Matrix biopsy, for instance, enables dermatologists to examine the root cause of the dystrophy at the cellular level, informing a more targeted treatment plan.
Types of Nail Surgery
Nail Avulsion:
This is one of the most common surgical procedures for nail conditions, involving the partial or full removal of the nail. Performed under local anesthesia, nail avulsion relieves symptoms by removing damaged or infected nail sections and allows the area to heal before new nail growth begins.
Matrix Biopsy:
A matrix biopsy involves taking a small sample of the nail matrix (the tissue responsible for nail growth) for examination. This procedure is helpful for diagnosing nail dystrophy and other structural abnormalities, allowing for a more accurate treatment approach based on the underlying cause.
What to Expect from Nail Surgery
Both nail avulsion and matrix biopsy are minimally invasive, performed under local anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Recovery is generally quick, with patients often able to resume normal activities within a few days. Proper aftercare, such as keeping the area clean and protected, helps support healing and prevents complications.
If you’re experiencing persistent nail issues, consider consulting Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic. Our experienced dermatologists are here to provide effective surgical solutions and personalised care for all your nail health needs.
Aftercare and Recovery from Nail Surgery
After nail surgery, proper aftercare is crucial to ensure quick healing and prevent complications. Here are some tips for a smooth recovery:
Keep the area clean and dry
Follow your dermatologist’s instructions on wound care to avoid infections.
Avoid strenuous activities
Give your toe or finger time to heal by avoiding excessive pressure on the area.
Monitor for signs of infection
Redness, excessive swelling, or pain may indicate infection. Contact your dermatologist if these symptoms persist
Wear comfortable footwear
Choose shoes that won’t rub against the surgical site, particularly if you’ve had an ingrown toenail removed.
Full healing generally takes a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery performed. As new nail growth begins, additional follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor progress and ensure the nail grows back properly.
Ready to Take Control of Your Nail Health?
If persistent nail issues are affecting your comfort or confidence, it’s time to consult a specialist. At Medical & Surgical Dermatology Clinic, our expert team is dedicated to helping you achieve strong, healthy nails through accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re dealing with nail infections, discoloration, brittleness, or other concerns, we offer advanced solutions to restore your nail health and prevent future issues.
Don’t let nail conditions hold you back from feeling your best. Schedule your consultation today to discover effective, professional treatment options tailored just for you. Take the first step towards healthier, beautiful nails with the support of our skilled dermatologists—your journey to optimal nail health starts here!