Skin Infections · Apgujeong, Seoul

Nail Disorders

Brittle, ridged, discoloured, ingrown or infected nails assessed and treated by a board-certified dermatologist.

Quick answer

Medical dermatology at Oaro Dermatology Clinic is led by board-certified dermatologists who diagnose first and treat second. Korean National Health Insurance may apply to covered conditions for insured residents. Meet our doctors or book a same-week appointment .

At a glance

Overview

What are nail disorders?

Nails reflect both local problems and general health, and a surprising range of conditions present as a change in their colour, shape, thickness or attachment. Infections are the most common group: fungal nail turns nails thick and yellow, while paronychia is a painful bacterial or yeast infection of the nail fold, often in people whose hands are frequently wet. Ingrown toenails occur when the nail edge pierces the surrounding skin, usually on the big toe. Inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis and lichen planus cause pitting, ridging, lifting and crumbling, and alopecia areata often causes fine pitting. Repeated trauma from footwear, nail biting or manicures produces ridges, splitting and white marks, while brittle nails may relate to ageing, iron deficiency, thyroid disease or chemical exposure. Medications and systemic illness can leave transverse lines, and a new brown or black streak in a single nail, especially one that is widening or spreading onto the skin, needs prompt assessment to exclude melanoma.

See a dermatologist if a nail change persists beyond a few weeks, is painful or infected, affects several nails, or if you notice a dark streak, bleeding or a lump under the nail. People with diabetes or circulation problems should seek care early for any nail or toe problem.

How nail disorders are treated at Oaro

At Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Seoul, a board-certified dermatologist examines the nails and surrounding skin with a dermoscope, which helps distinguish pigment bands, fungal patterns and inflammatory changes. Nail clippings are sent for microscopy and culture if fungus is possible, blood tests check for deficiency or thyroid disease, and a nail biopsy is arranged for suspicious pigmented streaks. Treatment follows the cause: antifungals or Pinpoint laser for onychomycosis, antibiotics or drainage for paronychia, partial nail avulsion or chemical matrixectomy for recurrent ingrown nails, and topical or injected therapy for nail psoriasis and lichen planus. Nail-care advice supports every plan. See the medical dermatology hub or book a consultation.

Why patients choose Oaro

• Board-certified dermatologists for medical and cosmetic skin care under one roof
• Dermoscopy, allergy and scalp assessment before any prescription
• Written treatment plan, home-care guidance and follow-up
• Private rooms in Cheongdam Tower, 8 minutes from Apgujeong Rodeo Station
• English-friendly coordination for visitors and expats

Treatment goals

Common goals for nail disorder treatment

Reach an accurate diagnosis

Dermoscopy, microscopy and, where needed, biopsy identify the cause rather than guessing from appearance.

Relieve pain and infection

Drainage, antibiotics and ingrown-nail procedures bring quick relief for acute problems.

Restore healthy nail growth

Treating the underlying skin disease or deficiency allows a smoother, stronger nail to grow out.

Exclude serious causes

Pigmented streaks and unusual growths are assessed early so melanoma or tumours are not missed.

Your visit

What to expect

1. Consultation & diagnosis

Your dermatologist asks about onset, trauma, occupation, nail habits, medications and general health, then examines all twenty nails with a dermoscope and photographs any abnormal ones. Clippings, swabs, blood tests or a biopsy are arranged as needed.

2. Treatment

Infections are treated with topical or oral medication, drainage or laser. Ingrown toenails that recur are treated under local anaesthetic by removing the offending nail edge and treating the matrix so it does not regrow. Nail psoriasis and lichen planus receive topical or intralesional corticosteroid, and deficiencies are corrected. Brittle nails are managed with protective habits, moisturisers and, where helpful, biotin or other supplements. Suspicious streaks are biopsied promptly.

3. Aftercare & follow-up

Written instructions cover wound care after any procedure and daily nail protection. Because nails grow slowly, follow-up every few months tracks improvement with photographs.

Cost & insurance

Nail disorder treatment cost in Seoul

Most nail conditions are medical, so insured residents typically have part of the consultation, tests and procedures such as ingrown-nail surgery or paronychia drainage covered by Korean National Health Insurance, paying a co-payment. Laser for fungal nails is self-pay. International visitors pay self-pay rates and receive an itemised receipt.

Exact pricing is confirmed at consultation after examination.

Home care

Aftercare

• Keep nails short and cut straight across; avoid digging into the corners of toenails.
• Wear gloves for wet work and moisturise nails and cuticles daily.
• Avoid biting, picking, aggressive manicures and acrylic or gel products while nails recover.
• Follow wound-care instructions after any nail procedure and keep the dressing dry for the first day.
• Photograph any pigmented streak monthly and report change in width or colour.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Chang-hyun Kim, M.D.

Board-certified dermatologist and Representative Director of Oaro Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam. Full member of the Korean Dermatological Association, the Korean Society of Atopic Dermatitis, the Korean Society of Vitiligo & Pigmentation and the Korean Society of Acne & Rosacea.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What causes ridges in nails?

Vertical ridges are usually age-related and harmless. Horizontal ridges or grooves may follow illness, trauma or inflammation around the nail and are worth having assessed if they recur.

Why are my nails brittle and splitting?

Frequent wetting and drying, chemical exposure, ageing and sometimes iron or thyroid problems weaken nails. A dermatologist can check for a treatable cause.

Is a dark line in my nail dangerous?

Most are benign, especially in darker skin types, but a new, widening or irregular streak in a single nail needs prompt examination at Oaro Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong to exclude melanoma.

How is an ingrown toenail treated?

Mild cases respond to soaking and proper trimming. Recurrent or infected ingrown nails are treated with a short procedure under local anaesthetic that removes the nail edge permanently.

Can nail psoriasis be treated?

Yes. Topical or injected treatment and, where skin psoriasis is widespread, systemic therapy improve nail appearance over several months in Seoul.

Explore related care

Related conditions and treatments

• Fungal Nail — the most common nail infection
• Bacterial Skin Infection — paronychia and infected nail folds
• Psoriasis — a frequent cause of pitting and lifting
• Alopecia Areata — often accompanied by nail pitting
• Mole Check — assessment of pigmented lesions, including nail streaks
• Medical Dermatology — all medical skin services

Same-week appointments

See a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong

Bring your questions, medication list and any photos of flare-ups. We will examine your skin, explain the diagnosis and give you a written plan. English-speaking coordinators are available for international patients and expats.