Nail dystrophy refers to any abnormality in the appearance or structure of your fingernails or toenails. It’s not a disease in and of itself, but rather a sign that something else is going on in your body. Think of it like a fever – the fever isn’t the problem, it’s a symptom of an underlying infection or illness.
There are many potential causes of nail dystrophy. Sometimes it’s due to something simple like trauma to the nail, such as stubbing your toe or hitting your finger. Other times, it can be a sign of inflammation, a skin condition (dermatosis), or even a systemic disease. Infections, genetics, and even certain medications can also play a role.
Because there are so many possibilities, getting an accurate diagnosis is key. Your doctor will need to consider a range of potential causes – a differential diagnosis – to figure out what’s really behind your nail dystrophy symptoms. Once they pinpoint the underlying issue, they can develop an effective treatment plan to address the root of the problem and get your nails back to their healthy state.