Doctor's Notes on Paronychia (Nail Bed Infection)
Paronychia is an inflammation of the folds of tissue surrounding the nail most commonly due to infection. The infection is usually bacterial (most commonly, staph or strep) but may be due to fungi. The infection may be acute (coming on suddenly) or may build up over time (chronic). A skin injury, including sucking or biting the fingers, is a common way for an infection of the fingernail area to begin.
Redness, pain or tenderness, and swelling around the base of the nail are the most common symptoms of paronychia. The redness and swelling may spread to involve the surrounding area of soft tissue. Chronic paronychia may be associated with other symptoms including:
- breakdown of the cuticle,
- separation of the nail from the underlying skin, and
- thickening, deformation, or hardening of the nail.
What Is the Treatment for Paronychia?
Acute paronychia may sometimes go away after soaking the affected nail in warm water 3-4 times a day. More serious infections may require antibiotics or antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor. If an abscess is present, it may need to be drained before antibiotics are given. Sometimes a cream to keep the skin dry is recommended for people with chronic paronychia.
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Cuts or Lacerations
Cuts and lacerations are both terms that apply to a tear in the skin, though a laceration implies a more jagged tear. These terms do not include abrasions where the skin is scraped away, or avulsions where the skin is torn from the flesh. Cuts and lacerations must be disinfected and sutured in more serious cases. Basic first aid may be all that is necessary for more minor wounds. Infection is the biggest medical concern when it comes to cuts or lacerations. Signs of infection include severe pain, draining pus, redness beyond the wound edges, fever and chills, and excessive wound swelling. -
Finger Infection
Finger infections can be caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses. Types of finger infections include paronychia, felon, herpetic whitlow, cellulitis, infectious flexor tenosynovitis, and deep space infection. Symptoms and treatment of a finger infection depend on the type. -
Finger Injuries
Finger injuries can vary from small cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, dislocations, sprains, strains, nerve injuries, jammed fingers, and animal or human bites. A person may experience bleeding, bruising, deformity, swelling, redness, or pus there is infection. Treatment for a finger injury depends on the type and severity of the injury. -
Skin Abscess
An abscess is has several causes and can appear on many parts of the body, such as the dental, vaginal, and rectal areas. In general, home remedies or cures are not recommended as a treatment method for abscesses (or boils) because they can cause further injury.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.