Jump to content

  • Set Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
Set Your LocationSet Your Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Fingernail Problems and Treatment
Content

Ask An Expert

Fingernail Problems and Treatment

Caroline Schreiber

Caroline Schreiber, M.D.

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center - Alta Bates Campus

Question:

My fingernails curve deeply underneath as they grow. My doctor says "Don't worry about it, just keep cutting them short". I don't think this is a correct answer or approach, and that it could be a serious condition or lack of some element(s) in my body.

Answer:

Some serious and not-so-serious medical conditions have fingernail manifestations. Examples include psoriasis and endocarditis. The serious illnesses would have other symptoms that are not subtle. Things like psoriasis are not life threatening, and are thus only treated if the symptoms are troublesome (most would argue that unsightly fingernails, if that's your only symptom, is not worth the treatment).

Many times curved, peeling, or discolored nails are just that. We don't necessarily know why, but it is of no consequence. You were right to consult your doctor, and his or her diagnosis is probably right. If you are still concerned, get the second opinion of a dermatologist.

Related Questions

Question
  • Additional Views During a Mammogram
    I had breast cancer 10 years ago. I had chemo and radiation. I've had mammograms every year since. What does it mean when additional pictures are needed because of denseness? What is the cause, and what is the chance it's a reoccurrance of cancer?
  • The Pill and Irregular Periods
    I've taken the birth control pill Loestrin for eight months. After starting on the pill, my period came once every two months. It's been 14 weeks since my last period. I had unprotected sex, but took the morning-after pill. Should I be concerned?
  • Sling Procedure for Pelvic Prolapse
    I've heard that the sling procedure is especially helpful for pelvic prolapse. How do I know if I am a good candidate for it?
  • Progesterone Treatment for Migraines
    Will taking progesterone help prevent a migraine?
  • Perimenopause and Migraines
    Now that I'm 50+, I've been getting severe headaches with my periods, and it also seems like my nasal allergy symptoms are worse at those times. Is this just a coincidence, or is this associated with perimenopause?

Back to Men's Health

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

  • Contact Us
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Request Medical Records
  • Make a Gift
Sign in to My Health Online

Billing and Insurance

  • Pay a Bill
  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Estimate Costs
  • Medicare Advantage

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Community Benefit
  • Annual Report
  • News

Our Team

  • For Employees
  • For Medical Professionals
  • For Vendors
  • For Volunteers

Careers

  • Jobs at Sutter
  • Physician Jobs
  • Graduate Medical Education

Copyright © 2023 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

  • ADA Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • LinkedIn Opens new window
  • YouTube Opens new window
  • Facebook Opens new window
  • Twitter Opens new window
  • Instagram Opens new window
  • Glassdoor Opens new window

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences