Paronychia

Paronychia is an

infection

 of the nails, at the site where the skin meets at the side or the base of the fingernail or toenail. It can occur suddenly when it is usually due to the bacteria Staph. Aureus, or gradually when it is commonly caused by Candida albicans.
Good hygiene is important for preventing paronychia. Keep your hands and feet clean to prevent bacteria from getting between your nails and skin.
Symptoms

Skin rash and redness

  • Around nails

  • At toes

  • At fingers

common

Enlarged toes

  • With redness

  • Around nail

  • With pus

or Enlarged fingers

  • With redness

  • Around nail

  • With pus

common

Pain in toes

  • Around nail, Tip of toes

or Pain at fingertip(s)

  • Around nail

common

Pain when touching finger or toe

  • Around nail

common

Painless detachment of the nail from the nail bed

common

Risk factors

Recent nail injury or trauma

or Wearing artificial nails

or Nail biting

or Exposure to toxic chemicals

  • On fingers

or Diabetes mellitus

  • Type 1, Type 2

or Overweight or obese

or Excessive sweating

Nail fungus infection

Treatment
Protect your nail, do not remove any part of the nail and remove artificial nail if any is on an infected finger. 1-Home treatments are often very successful in treating mild cases, soak the affected foot or hand 3 to 4 times daily for 20 minutes in warm water. 2-Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment if the infection is more severe or if it isn’t responding to home treatments. 3-You may also need to have blisters or abscesses drained of fluids to relieve discomfort and speed healing. This should be done by your doctor in order to avoid spreading the infection.
Recommended specialist

If you have Paronychia, then a visit to a dermatologist is highly recommended.

Contact a

Dermatologist

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