An infection of the soft tissues surrounding the nail bed is medically referred to as paronychia. Inflammation around the base or the edges of the fingernails or toenails is mainly caused due to trauma to tissues around the nail bed. The cuticle acts as a protective seal between the nail and the nail fold. When one suffers from an injury around the nail bed, it gives the bacteria, yeast or fungi a chance to break into the skin. This causes the cuticle to get infected. An infected cuticle or nail fold is characterized by redness, pain, swelling and tenderness. If left untreated, the skin next to the nail fold might even get filled with pus. If you ever spot pus and redness around the nail bed, it would be best to consult a dermatologist. Here's some information on paronychia treatment options and tips for preventing paronychia.Causes and Symptoms of Paronychia
Trauma to the skin around the nail is a common contributory factor for an infected cuticle as breaks in the skin provide the disease-causing microbes the opportunity to enter into the skin. Finger sucking, nail biting or an injury during manicure or pedicure could be responsible for causing this infection. If your hands are in water for prolonged periods of time or your nails are exposed to harsh chemicals used in household cleaning products such as dishwashing liquids or detergents, then you are at an increased risk of developing such an infection. Picking a hangnail, trimming or pushing back cuticles could also make you susceptible to paronychia. Paronychia is categorized into acute and chronic paronychia. While acute paronychia develops within a few hours, the development of chronic paronychia is a gradual process.
Acute paronychia is generally caused by staphylococcus bacteria. This bacterial infection causes the nail fold to become sore, swollen and tender to touch. It leads to the development of red edges that might sometimes get filled with pus. Chronic paronychia takes a longer time to develop and could be caused due to dermatitis of the hands. A yeast infection caused by Candida albicans could also lead to the development of this nail problem. Chronic fingernail infections can also be attributed to herpes simplex virus. These are referred to as herpetic whitlow. Besides swelling, pain, redness or formation of pus, these infections could also lead to distorted or discolored nails. One might develop brittle nails as well.
Treatment of Paronychia
The treatment options that may be recommended for paronychia will vary depending on the type of infection. Doctors will first examine the symptoms and might drain the pus and test it to identify the microbe responsible for causing this infection. Paronychia treatment usually involves topical application of ointments. Antibiotic ointments or creams are prescribed if one is suffering from bacterial paronychia. Ketoconazole antifungal cream and skin drying Castellani's paint are usually prescribed for treating fungal paronychia. Oral fluconazole and oral erythromycin might be prescribed for the treatment of fungal and bacterial paronychia respectively. If there is a collection of pus under the skin, doctors might use a surgical knife to open the abscess and drain the pus out. Corticosteroids might also be prescribed for treating chronic paronychia.
While topical application of medicated creams or ointments or use of tablets might help, one can also follow certain home remedies for treating an acute cuticle infection. One can soak the affected nails in a solution made by adding Epsom salt to warm water. Make sure that you dry your hands properly. You can also add white vinegar to water and soak your nails in this solution. These are some of the most effective remedies for treating paronychia at home. One must also follow certain precautions to prevent recurrence of paronychia in future. One must refrain from nail biting and pay attention to cuticle care. Since frequent wetting of hands or exposure to certain chemicals used in household cleaning can make you susceptible to such nail fungus, you should wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when you are doing such household tasks. When you go for manicure or pedicure, make sure that the instruments that are being used are sanitized.
This was all about the causes, symptoms and treatment of paronychia. Do follow all the precautions to prevent such infections and keep your nails in good condition. If there is a cut or wound around your nails, treat it soon. This way bacteria and fungi will not be able to infect the soft tissues around the nails.
Also looking for Toenail Fungus Treatment and Home Remedies, Vinegar Cure for Toenail Fungus, Vinegar Treatment for Toenail Infection, Fingernail Fungus Symptoms and Treatment, Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment, Signs of Toenail Fungus, Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment Cost, Tea Tree Oil for Toenail Fungus Treatment, Fingernail Fungal Infections, Laser Treatment Reviews for Toenail Fungus, Best Toenail Fungus Treatment, Soaking Feet in Vinegar, Types of Foot Fungus
0 comments:
Post a Comment