Nail pathology is a "vast world", which can include an array of nail disorders.
It is important to conduct a thorough physical examination of the nail for any patient who reports a nail pathology, since it often ends up causing problems in day-to-day life.
We will explore changes in thickness, surface, consistency, color, the nail plate and bed, periungual tissue, to rule out concurrent systemic illnesses, hereditary diseases if other members of the family have been affected, and any drugs recently taken.
In addition the nails may be infected by microorganisms such as fungi or bacteria, and detection and subsequent treatment will be curative.