What department should I visit to have my nails examined?

Jul 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have grayish discoloration on my own fingernails, and they are very painful. I want to get them checked. Therefore, which department should I visit for nail-related issues?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
When examining the nails, the choice of department should be determined according to the specific nail conditions. 1. Dermatology: As skin appendages, many nail problems such as onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) and paronychia (nail fold inflammation) fall within the scope of dermatology. Therefore, when nails become cloudy, thickened, discolored, or separated, dermatology should be the first choice for medical consultation. 2. Surgery or Orthopedics: If the nail sustains severe injuries such as fractures or detachment due to external impacts or compression, and is accompanied by joint discomfort, bone pain, or similar symptoms, patients should visit the surgical or orthopedic department. 3. Nutrition Department: When nail issues may be related to malnutrition or deficiencies in trace elements—for example, nails becoming uneven or losing their luster—the nutrition department would be an appropriate choice. 4. Endocrinology Department: Certain endocrine disorders can affect the appearance and texture of nails, such as thyroid diseases. In such cases, consultation with the endocrinology department is recommended. When seeking medical attention for nail-related concerns, patients should choose the appropriate department based on their specific nail condition in order to receive professional diagnosis and treatment.