Diagnosis & Treatment of Nail Disorders

The nails can be a window into in the inner workings of our body, and Dr. Rieder is one of only a few physicians nationwide with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of nail disease. The most common systemic conditions to demonstrate changes in nails are often dermatologic in nature, and these include eczema, psoriasis, and lichen planus.

Nails may also harbor infections such as fungus and bacteria, which can impair quality of life and cause physical discomfort. Dr. Rieder is expert in the diagnosis of such conditions and utilizes the most sophisticated diagnostic aids to ensure that treatments are optimized for each of his patients.

Nails may also develop pigment in response to a variety of factors. Repeated trauma, oral prescription medications, genetics / skin color, infections, and nail tumors can all result in pigmentation. Pigmentation can be difficult to diagnosis and manage; it requires expert insight and follow-up.

Finally, nails are not uncommonly the site of tumors, both benign and malignant. Because of the small, tight anatomy of the nail unit, most dermatologists do not have the expertise to perform diagnostic biopsies or surgeries on this area of the body. Nail tumors are not to be ignored, as the nail is not uncommonly the site of skin cancers such as squamous cell cancer and melanoma.