Nail Disorders

At the Israel Englander Department of Dermatology Nail Center, you will be cared for by renowned experts in nail disorders and treatments, some of the most qualified and specialized nail experts (onychologists) in the nation.

Some nail problems are cosmetic, while others may be disabling or linked to other diseases, such as joint disease or cancer.

Fingernail and toenail disorders can cause sensitivity and pain, as well as inhibit social relationships, employment, and daily activities.

Common symptoms of nail disorders include:

● Abnormal appearance
● Pus or drainage
● Bleeding
● Indentation or ridges in the nails
● Breaking, cracking, or splitting of the nails
● Brown, black, or red lines

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have your nails evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible. Do not ignore or cover these symptoms.

The Weill Cornell Medicine Nail Center provides expert knowledge and advanced treatments, including surgery, for all types of nail concerns. Our team diagnoses and treats these disorders effectively, no matter how complex. After treatment, your nail will look the same or similar to your other nails.

Patients travel from throughout the region and country to access our Nail Center’s leading, board-certified dermatologists and nail disorder experts.

Conditions We Treat

Our nail disorder specialists diagnose and treat:

● Brown or black lines in the nail (melanonychia)
● Red line in the nail (erythronychia)
● Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)
● Bacterial nail infections (paronychia)
● Cysts (mucous cyst, digital mucous cysts)
● Tumors, including benign and malignant tumors (glomus nail tumor, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma)
● Warts (difficult-to-treat warts or warts that have not responded to therapy)
● Nail psoriasis
● Nail lichen planus
● Onycholysis (separation of the nail plate from the underlying bed)
● Brittle nails
● Allergic reactions (contact dermatitis) from nail polish, gel nails, or other nail cosmetics  

Treatments: At Weill Cornell Medicine, our leading nail disorder dermatologists offer the most advanced treatments, including:

● Oral or topical medications: antifungal, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory medications
● Surgery: state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic surgeries (surgical treatments are used to biopsy and remove benign and malignant nail tumors)
● Devices or injections for psoriasis
● Laser treatments
● Injectables of anti-inflammatory medicine placed directly into the nail growth center
● Treatments for contact dermatitis (includes determining the cause of the allergic reaction and treating this reaction) 

The aesthetic appearance of our patients’ nails is always foremost in our minds during treatments. With expert care and advanced treatments, we preserve and improve the look of our patients’ nails.

Expert toenail evaluation and treatment: Our board-certified dermatologists are equally experienced and knowledgeable in diagnosing and managing fingernail and toenail disorders.

Our nail specialists can evaluate and treat a wide range of toenail disorders, as well as collaborate with leading Weill Cornell Medicine podiatrists when necessary.

Why Choose the Weill Cornell Nail Center?

At the Nail Center, we understand that nail disorders can be difficult — and even painful — to live with. To make matters more challenging, nail disorders are frequently misdiagnosed, which can be frustrating or dangerous.

It is vital to seek out an evaluation promptly from a board-certified dermatologist who has experience diagnosing and treating nail disorders.

Our Nail Center offers:

● Specialized evaluation and treatment from leading experts in the field
● State-of-the-art imaging and photography technology, including dermoscopy, to ensure accurate photos and measurements for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment
● Analysis from experienced and specialized nail pathologists
● Comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment from our network of leading physicians, including hand surgeons, plastic surgeons, and orthopaedic surgeons 
● Cutting-edge treatment that focuses on preserving and improving the aesthetic appearance of the nails
● Expertise based on the latest research being conducted by the nail disorders research team at Weill Cornell Medicine
● Evaluation and treatment in our convenient office locations designed for patient comfort
● Dedicated appointment time reserved for nail disorder patients, which ensures convenient appointment hours