Skin care professionals frequently see fungal nail infections. These often occur in the toenails, but can occur in the fingernails as well. This condition is one of the most difficult conditions to treat for many reasons. The microscopic organisms called fungi that are responsible for this infection thrive in the dark, warm and moist environment that exists inside your shoes and under your nails. When they have found that it is a nice place to live, they can be very difficult to deal with.

Due to the potential difficulty of treating this common condition, seeing an experienced dermatologist when you first notice an infection is essential.

Some of the best treatments for nail fungus include:

• Laser nail therapy–A specially-designed laser is used to penetrate under the nail and kill the fungi where they live. While this procedure isn’t very complicated, it often requires multiple treatments to completely cure the condition.
• Antifungal medications—Such treatments are very effective at eliminating the fungal infection, but it can take months for noticeable results to be evident.
• Topical ointments–A variety of over-the-counter creams and lotions are available to be applied directly to the area. These are often a lot of hype without any substance and usually have unsatisfactory results since the creams don’t penetrate fully enough to remove the fungi.
• Surgery–If your nail infection is particularly severe, a partial or complete removal of the nail may be needed in order for a new nail to form and grow. But a new, beautiful nail will take its place.

If you are experiencing a fungal infection in your nails, it is important to see a board certified dermatologist for a complete diagnosis and proper treatment. Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology has been treating patients for hair, skin, and nail problems for over 30 years, and has the experience necessary to address a wide variety of dermatological issues. Dr. Vaillant has successfully treated acne, eczema, dandruff, hair loss, skin cancer, psoriasis, and nail fungus. If you are looking for a friendly, highly skilled and respected dermatologist, call our office in Old Bridge, NJ at (732) 679-0222and make an appointment.