Nail Disorders
Nail Disorders: Causes & Treatment in Draper, UT
Healthy nails are often a sign of overall well-being but can be easily taken for granted until a painful nail condition interrupts your daily routine. An ingrown toenail can make walking unbearable, while brittle nails may lead to infection and hinder simple tasks, like buttoning a shirt.
At Draper Dermatology, we diagnose and treat a wide range of nail disorders, helping you restore both the comfort and appearance of your nails so you can focus on your daily life without discomfort.
Types of Nail Disorders
Nail disorders come in various forms, each requiring specific care. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:
● Ingrown Toenail: When the nail grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and swelling.
● Fungal Infection (Onychomycosis): Causes discoloration, thickening, and crumbling of the nail.
● Nail Psoriasis: Leads to pitting, thickening, and nail crumbling, often linked to psoriatic arthritis.
● Brittle Nails: Weak or splitting nails, often caused by dehydration or nutritional deficiencies.
● Paronychia: A bacterial or fungal infection around the nail that causes redness, swelling, and pain.
● Chronic Paronychia: Persistent infections that cause lasting changes in the nail’s appearance.
● Onychogryphosis (Ram Horn Nails): Thick, overgrown nails that resemble horns, typically due to neglect or injury.
● Nail Discoloration: Yellow, green, or white nails may indicate fungal infections or other underlying conditions.
General Nail Care to Prevent Disorders
Consistent personal hygiene routines will help you avoid nail disorders and keep them looking nice. Here are some tips:
Fingernails: Keep nails clean and dry, using gloves for dishes or when frequently handling water, especially when you are struggling with cracked, brittle nails. Trim nails straight across with slightly rounded corners and avoid biting or picking at your cuticles.
Toenails: Keep toenails short to prevent trauma. If nails are thick or difficult to cut, first soak them in a pint of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt. This will help soften them before trimming. Avoid flip flops; instead alternate properly fitting shoes to protect your toes.
Even with perfect nail care, some people are still prone to occasional or chronic nail disorders. When that happens, our team can provide the treatments you need for relief.
Treatments for Nail Disorders
At Draper Dermatology, we offer a variety of effective treatments tailored to your specific nail disorder, including:
Topical and Oral Medications
Antifungal creams or oral antifungals for fungal infections, and topical steroids for nail psoriasis.
Nail Surgery
For severe ingrown toenails or nail removal for chronic infections.
Laser Therapy
An advanced treatment for stubborn fungal infections.
Steroid Injections
For conditions like chronic paronychia or nail psoriasis to reduce inflammation and improve appearance.
Regular Maintenance
Professional trimming and nail care for conditions like onychogryphosis.
Specialized Nail Care for Seniors and Diabetics
Age and conditions like diabetes heighten the need for proper toenail care. Peripheral neuropathy, a common side effect of diabetes, can reduce sensation in the feet, meaning problems like fungal infections or ingrown toenails might go unnoticed. Elderly individuals and those with limited mobility may also struggle with proper nail care, especially toenails. Unfortunately, small issues can escalate before they’re recognized, leading to pain or infections.
If you’re hesitant or embarrassed to seek treatment, please know we offer compassionate, discreet care. Our goal is to help you find relief from any nail disorder you’re facing.