Nail Disease
Nail diseases are typically categorized as fungal infections. In scientific terms, they are referred to as tinea unguium or onychomycosis. Both fingernails and toenails can become affected by nail conditions. In the United States, about one in 10 people are affected by some nail disease. Older individuals are at higher risk of developing these problems.
At Mohave Dermatology, we offer top-notch nail disease treatments. Our expert team is here to help you understand what causes these infections, what your treatment options are, and how best you can manage them.
What is Nail Disease?
Your nails protect the tissues of your fingers & toes. They’re made up of layers of keratin, (hardened protein) that is also present in our skin and hair. The overall health of your nails can also be an indication of your physical health. Healthy nails are generally consistent in color and have smooth surfaces. Nail diseases can alter the condition and appearance of your nails.
Nail diseases are deformities of the fingernails and toenails. In most cases, these are fungal infections, and the symptoms can vary significantly. However, the common symptoms of nail disease include:
- Nail soreness or pain
- A distorted appearance
- Yellowish streaks
- Bleeding around nails
- Thickened nails
- Pitted nails
- Nail darkening
- Brittleness
- Foul smelling nails
- Separation of nails from the nail bed
The Causes of Nail Infections
Nail disorders are caused by several different fungi, as the pathogens infiltrate the skin through minute openings between the nail bed and the nail itself. If the surrounding spots are unventilated, moist and warm, it doesn’t take long for the fungi to propagate. Some of the other factors that can give rise to nail infections include:
- Profuse sweating
- Walking barefoot in outdoor/public areas
- Family history
- Poor health
- Poor circulation
- Conditions like diabetes
Nail Disease Treatment at Mohave Dermatology
If you suspect that you have some form of nail infection, call us and schedule an appointment without delay. Our professional dermatologists have treated thousands of patients with nail disease and can offer sound advice and the best treatments. We will perform a nail scrape and test it to determine what the cause of the infection is. Based on the results and our diagnosis, we will provide suitable treatment.
Our dermatologists are highly skilled and experienced and can easily differentiate between various nail disorders and conditions that show similar symptoms (such as yellow nail syndrome). There are numerous treatment options for nail disorders, such as:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Oral anti-fungal medications
- Topical over-the-counter anti-fungal medications
At our office, we offer specialized laser nail treatment as well. This treats the disorder or infection wholly and almost painlessly. If the infection is severe, complete removal of the affected nail may be necessary. We understand that nail disease can cause pain and unpleasant symptoms, which is why our team is here to address all your concerns and offer the best treatment options.
Since every person’s body reacts to infections differently, we adopt a tailored approach and make sure that you have a say in the treatment you receive. We use our in-depth knowledge, training, experience, and the latest technology in the diagnosis. This means you are always assured of the most accurate assessment and the best-suited treatment for your condition.
Contact the Best Dermatologists
What makes us different is that we offer personalized attention to each patient and every member of our staff is friendly, professional, and supportive, and you get the most efficient services at all times. Healthy skin is something we are passionate about. If you notice any symptoms of nail infection that you believe requires attention, we are here to help you manage it in a way that works best for you.
Our team of experts is here to provide all the information you need about our services. You can also schedule an appointment with us, via this online form.
