What Are Nail Conditions?
The broad term “nail conditions” refers to any condition that affects the health of your nails on your fingers and toes. Nail problems can affect anyone, male or female, of any age. While some nail conditions can be treated at home, there are some cases that require diagnosis and treatment from a dermatologist.
What Are the Most Common Nail Conditions?
There are numerous nail conditions that can impact your nails and all with different causes. The most common are:
- Nail discoloration: A healthy nail is pink in color and looks white as it grows from your nail bed. Nail coloration can be caused by nail polish overuse, smoking, or injury to your nail bed, as well as some medical conditions like melanoma and certain medications.
- Lifted nail plate: If your nail lifts and turns white in color, it may be due to incorrect cleaning of nails, chemicals found in some polishes, incorrect removal of artificial nails, a fungal infection, or psoriasis.
- Thick nails: Older people are more a risk for thickened nails. This condition may be due to neglect, injury, fungus, poor circulation, ill-fitting shoes, or arthritis in the toes.
- Splitting nails: With this condition, you may see that your nail has developed layers or has split. Constantly wet hands, frequent use and removal of polish, and consistently using your nails as “tools” can cause this issue.
- Bacterial infection: Often triggerd by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, the infected area becomes inflamed. It can also become chronic if not treated properly.
- Fungal infection: These types of nail conditions can be transferred from person to person. Individuals with diabetes and compromised immune symptoms are especially suceptible to fungal infections of the nail.
- Trauma: Damage to your nails can cause a multitude of problems including bruising, loss of the nail, nail ridges, and deformed nail growth.
How Are Nail Conditions Diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of your nail condition, your dermatologist will perform a visual exam and evaluate your medical history. You might also have nail clippings or scrapings taken to be examined under a microscope.
What Are Treatments for Nail Conditions?
In some instances, medical treatment isn’t needed and the condition can be managed at home with the right nail care. Your dermatologist will advise you on how to properly take care of your nails.
You might need prescription medications to treat the nail condition and further treatment to manage an underlying medical condition that is causing the nail condition.
As a last resort, your dermatologist may recommend nail surgery to remove the impacted nails and destory the nail matrix which is responsible for nail growth. An avulsion may be done to remove the nail plate can be done to treat an infection, an ingrown toenail, or growth.
Where Should I Go for Treatment of My Nail Condition in Ashburn?
Nail conditions can certainly be troubling, so if you have concerns contact our providers at Clear Dermatology, offering nail surgery, avulsions, and other treatments for healthier nails! Schedule your appointment by calling 703-996-4000 today. The sooner you call, the faster we can create a treatment plan personalized just for you!