Dermatologists are trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rebecca Baxt is specially trained to diagnose and treat nail problems – fingernails and toenails.
Healthy nails appear smooth and have a consistent coloring. Patients frequently come to Dr. Baxt’s premier medical and cosmetic dermatology office, located in Paramus, NJ, with questions about their nail health. Frequent nail concerns that men and women report include:
- Nails not growing properly
- An infected nail
- A pigmented nail
- Brittle nails that break easily
- Nail separation
- Fungus (toe and fingers)
There are a variety of issues that may be affecting the health of your nails. A consultation with Dr. Rebecca Baxt is recommended to pinpoint the specific cause(s) and she will recommend a treatment protocol, as some problems are warning signs of more serious conditions.
Listen to Dr. Baxt’s Podcast on Healthy Nails
WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES OF SERIOUS NAIL PROBLEMS?
As you age, nails become brittle and thin. This is common. Also, many women report thinning nails due to cosmetic fingernail products; e.g. acrylic nails, gels, etc. More serious nail conditions include:
- Nail pitting (depressions) in nails due to psoriasis or other disorders
- Nails that are soft and have a scooped out depression may be a sign of iron deficiency
- Indentations that run across the nails can indicate a zinc deficiency and may also indicate uncontrolled diabetes and peripheral vascular diseases
- Fingernails that become separated from the nail bed are typically associated with an injury or infection. Other reasons may be due to psoriasis or thyroid disease
Don’t ignore the health of your nails! Read expert advice by Dr. Rebecca Baxt on nail health:
“Dr. Baxt recommends Aquaphor as a suitable moisturizer for nail care. The ointment, which contains lanolin (a highly moisturizing ingredient derived from the wool of sheep), is clinically proven to create a barrier above the skin to help heal dry or cracked areas.”
Read, “Your nails change as you age — here’s how to care for them, according to dermatologists.”
HOW ARE NAIL DISORDERS TREATED?
Diagnosing the cause of nail diseases can be complicated as there are many variables. To properly diagnose nail conditions and prescribe an effective treatment, a consultation with a dermatologist is highly recommended. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rebecca Baxt. She will conduct an extensive health history to identify potential causes of your nail problem(s) and do a medical examination.
Once a diagnosis has been obtained treatments range from special nail polish, creams, and prescription medications to treat nail problems. Also, tips to maintain healthy nails will be recommended.
If you have a nail problem, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rebecca Baxt at BAXT CosMedical®. Please be sure to remove all nail polish for the consultation. We look forward to seeing you and helping you to resolve your nail problems. Contact us or call 201-265-1300 today!
Let our family treat your family, a legacy you can trust!
Rebecca Baxt, M.D., M.B.A, F.A.A.D.