Nail Treatments in atlanta, ga

Nail Fungus Treatment (Onychomycosis)

Nail hygiene is part of your presenting canvas and if you have symptoms of nail fungus, it is important that you seek treatment early on. Nail fungus may start as a small yellow patch on your nail but will become darker with thickening of the nail, brittle nail, and nail plate separation from the finger, called onycholysis. If left alone, nail fungus can progress to involve additional nails and eventually affect the surrounding skin. Both men and women can experience fungal infections in their fingernails or toenails. We can determine if a topical cream, oral medication or combination of both would be most effective in treating your fungal infection. Dr. Hill can help you with your embarrassing or even painful nail fungus.

Nail Fungus Remedies

The health of your fingernail or toenail depends on your choice to let Dr. Hill in Atlanta, GA find a remedy when you have nail fungus. If left untreated, your nail may become unsightly and the fungus may spread to involve additional nails. Dr. Hill uses modern technology to examine and diagnose the nail fungus commonly in the office during your appointment. No waiting weeks for an answer. Our comprehensive dermatology practice can offer you a full range of treatment options in topical creams and liquids, oral medications, and home soaks to remedy your fungal infection.

What Causes Nail Fungus?

Your susceptibility to nail fungus is actually hereditary. Some people are more prone to developing fungal infections compared to others. The problem is, fungus is everywhere! These fungi are often found in warm, moist environments like inside your shoes or in swimming pools or showers. Nail salons can also be a likely place to spread nail fungus if the manicure tools are not sanitized properly.

Nail Bacteria Treatment (Onychomycosis)

Pseudomonas bacterial infection can occur between the natural nail plate and the nail bed, and/or between an artificial nail coating and the natural nail plate. The classic green discoloration is simply a by-product of the bacteria. Pseudomonas thrive in moist places; it feeds off the dead tissue and bacteria in the nail plate, while the moisture levels allow it to grow. The after effects of this infection will cause the nail plate to darken and soften underneath an artificial coating. If the bacteria has entered between the nail plate and the nail bed, it will cause the same discolorations and may also cause the nail plate to lift from the nail bed.

Paronychia

Paronychia infections of the nail fold can be caused by bacteria, yeast, and sometimes viruses. The proximal and lateral nail folds act as a barrier, or seal, between the nail plate and the surrounding tissue. If a tear or a break occurs in this seal (trauma or nail cuticles being removed), the organisms can easily enter the area between the nail plate and the nail folds.

Bacterial Paronychia

This type of infection is characterized by quick onset of pain, redness and swelling of the nail folds. There is usually a traumatic event such as a hangnail being removed or a paper cut that allows the bacteria to enter the nail fold. Staph is the most common bacteria to cause bacterial paronychia.

Yeast Paronychia

This type of infection is characterized by slow onset of pain, redness and swelling of the nail folds. People who have their hands in water for extended periods of time are also more susceptible to developing this condition as water sits under the nail folds and creates the perfect warm, moist environment for organisms to grow.