When to See a Doctor About Nail Changes
Most nail changes are harmless or cosmetic, but some need prompt medical attention. Here are the signs that mean you should book an appointment rather than rely on a home routine.
See a doctor promptly if…
- You have diabetes, poor circulation or nerve damage in your feet. Any nail or skin change on your feet deserves a professional look.
- There's pain, swelling, warmth, pus or spreading redness, which can be signs of infection.
- A dark brown or black streak appears under a nail without an injury you remember, or it gets wider. This needs checking to rule out rare but serious causes.
- The nail is lifting away from the skin, bleeding, or changes shape suddenly.
- Your immune system is weakened by illness or medication.
Also worth an appointment
- A nail change that keeps spreading to other nails.
- Thick, yellow or crumbly nails you'd like a confirmed diagnosis for.
- Nail changes alongside skin rashes, joint pain or feeling unwell.
- A problem that hasn't improved after several months of good care.
Who to see
Start with your primary care doctor or a podiatrist (foot specialist). They may take a small nail sample to test, which is the reliable way to tell a fungal infection from psoriasis, injury or other causes. Prescription options exist for confirmed infections.
Where cosmetic products fit
Cosmetic topical products such as Nails Clean Pro are for everyday care of how nails look. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If any warning sign above applies to you, see a professional first. If you choose to use a topical product, check with them whether it's suitable.
About Nails Clean Pro
A twice-daily topical spray for nails and the skin around them, sold in 2, 3 and 6-bottle packs with a 60-day money-back guarantee from the seller.