Nail Disorders
Discoloured, thickened, brittle or lifting nails — what nail disorders are, why they happen, and how a consultant dermatologist can find the cause and put a plan in place.
Nail disorders cover any change in the colour, shape, thickness or texture of the fingernails or toenails.
That ranges from a fungal toenail or persistent pitting to lifting, splitting or a dark streak running through the nail. Some nail changes are harmless and simply cosmetic, while others point to a skin condition such as psoriasis, an infection, or occasionally something that needs closer attention. Because so many causes can look alike, the value of an expert assessment is getting the right diagnosis first — then a treatment that actually targets what's going on, rather than guesswork.
Symptoms of nail disorders.
Nail problems can affect one nail or many, and may build up slowly over months — so changes are easy to ignore until they're well established.
Why it happens.
A nail change is a sign, not a diagnosis in itself — and the same appearance can have very different causes. These are the most common reasons nails change, and an examination is what tells them apart.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Diagnosed by examining the nail.
Your consultant dermatologist examines the affected nails and surrounding skin, asks about how the changes came on and looks for clues elsewhere on the skin. Where it helps to confirm the cause — for example to tell fungal infection from psoriasis, or to assess a pigmented streak — a small sample may be taken, such as nail clippings for the lab or a punch biopsy. From there, Dr Alsaadi explains what's going on and agrees a plan with you. Both adults and children can be seen.
How nail disorders is treated.
Treatment follows the diagnosis — the aim is to target the actual cause rather than the appearance alone, then review how the nail responds as it grows out.
An expert examination of the nails and skin to pin down the cause and, where needed, arrange the right test before any treatment begins.
Where the diagnosis isn't clear from looking, nail sampling or a punch biopsy can distinguish infection, psoriasis and other causes so treatment is aimed correctly.
Once the cause is known, a tailored plan is prescribed and agreed — for example treatment for a confirmed fungal infection, or management of nail psoriasis or eczema.
Nails grow slowly, so a review checks progress and adjusts the plan as the healthy nail grows through.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Can I book to have my nail looked at without going through my GP first? +
Yes. You can arrange a consultation with Dr Dalia Alsaadi, our consultant dermatologist, directly — there's no need for a GP letter, and appointments are usually available within days rather than months.
I've been treating it as a fungal nail for ages — why see a dermatologist? +
Several conditions, including nail psoriasis and eczema, look almost identical to a fungal infection, and a dark streak can have its own causes entirely. If pharmacy treatments haven't worked, an examination — and a quick test where needed — confirms what you're actually dealing with so the treatment is the right one.
Will my nail go back to normal? +
It often improves once the cause is treated, but nails grow slowly — a fingernail takes months and a toenail longer — so it can take a while to see a healthy nail grow through. Rather than promise a quick fix, the focus is on treating the underlying cause and reviewing your progress as it grows out.
What will it cost to be seen and assessed? +
The initial dermatology consultation is £200 (£250 for a child). If sampling, such as a punch biopsy, or any treatment is recommended, the cost is explained and agreed with you before anything goes ahead.
Should I be worried about a dark mark or line in my nail? +
Most are harmless, but a new pigmented line — especially one that's widening or spreading onto the skin around the nail — should always be checked promptly. A consultant can examine it and advise whether anything further is needed.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.