LIFESTYLE NEWS - Paronychia is an infection of the skin around your fingernails and toenails. Bacteria or a type of yeast called candida typically cause this infection.
Bacteria and yeast can even combine in one infection.
Paronychia can be acute or chronic, depending on the speed of onset, the duration, and the infecting agents.
An acute infection almost always occurs around the fingernails and develops
quickly.
It's usually the result of damage to the skin around the nails from biting, picking, hangnails, manicures, or other physical trauma.
Staphylococcus and Enterococcus bacteria are common infecting agents in the case of acute paronychia.
Chronic paronychia can occur on your fingers or toes, and it comes on slowly. It lasts for several weeks and often comes back. It's typically caused by more than one infecting agent, often candida yeast and bacteria.
Chronically wet skin and excessive soaking disrupts the natural barrier of the cuticle. This allows yeast and bacteria to grow and get underneath the skin to create an infection.
Both infections can have the following symptoms:
• redness and tenderness of the skin around your nail;
• pus-filled blisters;
• changes in nail shape, colour, or texture;
• detachment of your nail.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic if the infection is more severe or if it doesn't respond to home treatments. You may also need to have blisters or abscesses drained of fluids to relieve discomfort and speed the healing process.
This should be done by your doctor in order to avoid spreading the infection. Chronic paronychia is more difficult to treat. You'll need to see your doctor because home treatment isn't likely to work.
Your doctor will probably prescribe an antifungal medication and advise you to keep the area dry. In severe cases, you may need surgery to remove part of your nail.
Other topical treatments that block inflammation may also be used. - Source: Healthline
This article is for informative purposes only. Please see your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Questions can be forwarded to questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
Walk in Doctor / Walk in Dentist 0861 943 943.
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