Healthy nails are an important indicator of overall skin health. Changes in nail color, thickness, shape, texture, or growth may be caused by infections, inflammatory skin diseases, trauma, or underlying medical conditions. At BOME Dermatology Clinic in Apgujeong, Gangnam, a board-certified dermatologist (M.D., Ph.D.) provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of nail disorders affecting both fingernails and toenails. Every patient receives an individualized evaluation to identify the underlying cause before treatment begins.

Rather than simply treating the appearance of abnormal nails, BOME focuses on accurate diagnosis, evidence-based therapies, and long-term nail health. Whether you have a fungal nail infection, ingrown toenail, nail discoloration, brittle nails, or nail changes associated with eczema or psoriasis, personalized care is designed to restore healthy nail growth whenever possible.

Why Choose BOME Dermatology Clinic?

Nail disorders often resemble one another, making professional diagnosis essential before starting treatment. At BOME, a board-certified dermatologist carefully evaluates the nail, surrounding skin, and possible contributing medical conditions to develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

Clinic Highlights

• Board-certified dermatologist (M.D., Ph.D.)
• Comprehensive nail examinations
• Diagnosis of fingernail and toenail disorders
• Personalized treatment plans
• Medical dermatology and preventive care
• Evidence-based therapies
• English-friendly consultations
• Private one-on-one appointments
• Convenient Apgujeong location in Gangnam

Common Nail Disorders We Treat

Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)

Fungal infections may cause:

• Thickened nails
• Yellow or white discoloration
• Brittle nails
• Nail separation
• Distorted nail shape

Treatment may include topical medications, oral antifungal therapy when clinically appropriate, and ongoing monitoring of nail regrowth.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown nails occur when the nail edge grows into the surrounding skin, causing:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Infection
• Difficulty walking

Your dermatologist evaluates the severity and recommends conservative care or procedural treatment when necessary.

Nail Psoriasis

Psoriasis can affect the nails, causing:

• Nail pitting
• Thickening
• Nail lifting (onycholysis)
• Oil-drop discoloration
• Irregular nail growth

Treatment focuses on controlling the underlying inflammatory disease while improving nail appearance.

Nail Changes Associated with Eczema

Chronic eczema around the fingers may lead to:

• Brittle nails
• Longitudinal ridges
• Nail surface irregularities
• Slow nail growth

Managing skin inflammation often improves nail health over time.

Nail Discoloration

Abnormal nail color may appear as:

• White nails
• Yellow nails
• Brown streaks
• Black pigmentation
• Green discoloration

Because nail discoloration can have many causes, including infections, trauma, medication effects, and pigment disorders, a comprehensive evaluation is important before treatment.

Brittle Nails

Patients experiencing frequent nail splitting or breakage may benefit from evaluation for:

• Nutritional factors
• Chronic irritation
• Aging
• Underlying dermatologic conditions
• Repetitive trauma

Nail Separation (Onycholysis)

When the nail lifts away from the nail bed, possible contributing factors include:

• Trauma
• Psoriasis
• Fungal infection
• Thyroid disorders
• Repeated chemical exposure

Treatment targets the underlying cause while supporting healthy nail regrowth.

Comprehensive Nail Examination

Your dermatologist evaluates:

• Nail color
• Nail thickness
• Nail growth pattern
• Nail surface texture
• Surrounding skin
• Signs of infection
• Previous injuries
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Associated skin diseases

This comprehensive approach helps establish an accurate diagnosis before treatment begins.

Treatment Options

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

Prescription Medications

Topical or oral medications may be recommended for fungal infections, inflammatory nail diseases, or other medical conditions.

Medical Nail Procedures

Selected procedures may be performed to relieve pain, treat ingrown nails, or manage chronic nail disorders when clinically indicated.

Management of Underlying Skin Diseases

Treating eczema, psoriasis, or other inflammatory conditions is often essential for improving nail health.

Preventive Nail Care

Patients receive personalized guidance on:

• Proper nail trimming
• Foot hygiene
• Shoe selection
• Moisturization
• Nail protection
• Preventing recurrent infections

What to Expect During Your Visit

Step 1 – Consultation

Your dermatologist reviews your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments.

Step 2 – Nail Examination

The affected nails and surrounding skin are carefully examined to identify the likely cause of the changes.

Step 3 – Diagnosis

If necessary, additional diagnostic testing may be recommended to confirm the underlying condition.

Step 4 – Personalized Treatment Plan

A customized treatment plan is developed based on your diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health.

Step 5 – Follow-Up

Many nail conditions improve gradually as healthy nails grow. Follow-up visits allow your dermatologist to monitor progress and adjust treatment when needed.

International Patients Welcome

BOME Dermatology Clinic provides comprehensive nail disorder treatment for:

• Medical tourists
• Expats
• International students
• Business travelers
• Long-term foreign residents

International patients receive:

• English-friendly communication
• Personalized consultations
• Doctor-led treatment planning
• Transparent medical recommendations
• Comprehensive follow-up care

Why Early Treatment Matters

Nail disorders often progress slowly but may worsen without appropriate treatment. Early evaluation can help distinguish fungal infections from inflammatory nail diseases, identify underlying medical conditions, relieve discomfort, and reduce the risk of permanent nail damage. Accurate diagnosis is especially important because many nail disorders have similar appearances but require different treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a dermatologist for a nail problem?

You should seek evaluation if you notice persistent nail discoloration, thickening, pain, nail separation, abnormal growth, bleeding, or changes that do not improve over time.

Are all thick or yellow nails caused by fungus?

No. Although fungal infection is a common cause, psoriasis, trauma, aging, eczema, and other medical conditions can produce similar changes. A dermatologist can determine the correct diagnosis.

How long does nail treatment take?

Nails grow slowly, particularly toenails. Improvement often becomes visible gradually over several months, depending on the underlying condition and the chosen treatment.

Can nail psoriasis be treated?

Yes. While nail psoriasis is a chronic condition, individualized treatment may help reduce inflammation, improve nail appearance, and slow disease progression.

Do you treat both fingernail and toenail disorders?

Yes. BOME Dermatology Clinic evaluates and treats medical conditions affecting both fingernails and toenails, including fungal infections, inflammatory nail diseases, ingrown nails, and nail abnormalities.