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Paronychia

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An In-Depth Exploration of the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Paronychia is an inflammatory condition that occurs in the skin surrounding the nails and can be extremely painful and unsightly. This condition can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, which can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and pus. In this blog post, we will delve into the complexities of paronychia, exploring its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and strategies for prevention.

Symptoms of Paronychia

The symptoms of paronychia can vary in intensity depending on the severity of the infection. Typically, the condition is characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and tenderness around the affected nail.

Pus may also develop, and the skin may become warm to the touch. In some cases, the nail may become discoloured or distorted. Such manifestations can be quite perplexing, and it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

The red swelling is obvious & probably warm.
The red swelling is obvious & probably warm.
Paronychia infection in nail fold
Paronychia infection in nail fold

Causes of Paronychia

Paronychia can be caused by all kinds of factors, including bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.

It can be brought on by trauma to the nail or surrounding skin, such as nail-biting, or through mechanical or efile manicure. Gardeners that don’t wear gloves can suffer from chronic paronychia.

Certain underlying health conditions, including diabetes or immune system disorders, can also increase the risk of developing paronychia. The complexities of this condition are vast, and its causes are multifaceted.

Prevention: Tips for Optimal Nail Health

Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to prevent paronychia from developing in the first place.

These include:

  • practising good nail hygiene
  • avoiding nail trauma
  • managing underlying health conditions
  • keeping nails clean and dry
  • avoiding nail-biting and picking
  • wearing gloves when handling chemicals or working in & around the home & garden

Maintaining skin health by:

  • Washing hands with soap & water
  • Maintaining moisture levels in nails & skin with oil & lotion
  • a healthy diet
  • drink water
  • regular exercise (to help boost the immune system)

Dealing with Nail Infections

If you do develop paronychia, there are a variety of strategies that can be employed to cope with the condition.

Take care around people with weakened immune systems and babies, the infection can be contagious.

These include taking over-the-counter pain relievers, avoiding activities that may aggravate the affected area. Washing the affected area with soap and water, drying well, and applying a clear kitchen vinegar solution and chlorhexidine 0.1-0.3% drops if available, can also be effective. It is important to note that soaking can give microorganisms a chance to grow, so it should always be avoided.

Diagnosing Paronychia

If you suspect that you may have paronychia, it is essential to seek a medical professional’s diagnosis. Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and may order lab tests or imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. They may also differentiate between acute and chronic paronychia, as the treatment options can vary depending on the severity and duration of the infection.

Treating Paronychia

The treatment of paronychia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the infection.

In some cases, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed to kill the pathogen causing the infection.

Other steps may also be recommended by your medical practitioner to relieve pain and reduce swelling. In severe cases, especially with clients/patients with weak immune systems, a MD or MP will prescribe antibiotics. The complexities of treating paronychia can be challenging, but with the right medical attention and treatment, recovery is possible without making matters worse.

Managing and Preventing: Tips for Healthy Nails

Paronychia can be a painful and uncomfortable condition, but with proper treatment and prevention strategies, it is possible to manage. Practicing good nail hygiene, avoiding nail trauma, and managing underlying health conditions can all help reduce the risk of developing paronychia. If you do develop the condition, there are treatment options available that can help alleviate your symptoms and promote healing. And if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

Prevention is key when it comes to paronychia

By taking care of your nails and practicing good hygiene, you can help keep this condition at bay. And if you do notice any symptoms of paronychia, do not wait to seek treatment. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to manage the infection and prevent it from becoming more severe.

If you are experiencing symptoms of paronychia or have any concerns about your nail health, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor.

They can diagnose the condition and recommend the best course of treatment for your needs. Make a note of what you have already done to alleviate the condition – this will help the medical practitioner in the choices that he or she will make, sometimes the infection will need to be drained to aid recovery, this is a fast but painful procedure.

With the right care and attention, paronychia can be managed effectively, allowing you to enjoy healthy, beautiful nails.

Futher Reading

To prevent further damage to the nail plate and nail folds, it’s important to treat paronychia as soon as possible. You can learn more about nail plate damage in our article on nail plate disorders

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byTracy Anne Shelverton
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The human\u00a0immune system\u00a0is a network of\u00a0biological processes\u00a0that protects us\u00a0from\u00a0diseases. Every individual has an immune system specific to them, which is why, for example, some people are allergic to certain substances and others are not. There are many situations and diseases that can compromise an individual's immune system in the short or long term. Covid 19 is one such disease and, after recovery from the virus the individual immunity can be altered.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e1d25db41d827dcd3c1043f708665334":"

Paronychia<\/div>
Paronychia, swollen finger with inflammation due to bacterial infection\n

Paronychia is a medical term that refers to an infection of the skin surrounding a fingernail or toenail, which can be acute or chronic. It is typically caused by bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms and may result in redness, swelling, and pain around the affected nail. In severe cases, pus may also develop, and the nail may become deformed or discolored. Treatment for paronychia may involve antibiotics or antifungal medications, warm soaks, and in some cases, surgical drainage of the infected area.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_8248d1c36b124d7b30d0c2f2aa3a2209":"

Nail trauma<\/div>
Nail Trauma\n

Nail trauma refers to any injury or damage caused to the nails, nail bed, or surrounding tissues due to external forces or accidents. <\/p>\n
\n

It can result from various causes, such as impact, crushing, repetitive pressure, or excessive force applied to the fingernails or toenails. <\/p>\n
\n

Nail trauma can lead to conditions like subungual hematoma (bleeding under the nail), nail fractures, or nail bed injuries. <\/p>\n
\n

Prompt and appropriate care is essential to prevent complications and promote nail health and healing.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_1246a1b7fb9bed3e4702bd0168f71114":"

Nail plate<\/div>
Nail Plate\n

Hard layers of modified and keratinised skin cells, bonded together, to form a protective plate on the end of each finger and toe, that prevents damage to the underlying bone and allows for manual dexterity.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_56b29414962b1272ec97da5eda2eebba":"

Nail Folds<\/div>
guardian nail seals\n

There are four Guardian Seals of the Nail Unit, also known as nail folds.
The first two are lateral nail folds to the left and right of the nail plate are there to hold the nail plate in place.
Nail folds are living skin barriers to protect us from invading pathogens.
The Proximal Nail Fold being the third Guardian Seal is there to protect the nail matrix and the eponychium from invading pathogens.
The Hyponychium is the fourth Guardian Seal.
All four Guardian Seals are important to maintain the integrity of the nail unit and need to be oiled on a regular basis to keep them elastic.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_d95ff256137df5d55882fc6ae81adf69":"

Bacteria<\/div>
Bacteria\n

There are many species of bacteria everywhere in the world. There are bacteria both inside and outside the human body. Many are good for you but some are not. Some can make you ill. A bacteria species that is relatively common for nails is a species of pseudomonas aka \u2018greenies\u2019. The \u2018bad ones\u2019 can be classed as pathogens but nail professionals must use robust hygiene protocols to avoid any type of bacteria infecting their clients.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_c7d08ac82eb8e0ea8cd0e09c09590f44":"

Nail fold<\/div>
\n

The fold of skin at the base and sides of the nail plate.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e4531ac60c2cb1fbabc9f3c62c5f342c":"

Manicure<\/div>
Nail Technician at Work\n

A manicure is a treatment to help improve the condition and appearance of the hands and fingernails. Usually consists of cuticle removal, shaping of the natural nail's free edge, moisturizing, and color or high shine on the nail.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e14623b52242301c74ec968ef95bc259":"

Chemical<\/div>
Chemical\n

A chemical is a form of matter that can exist as a gas, a solid, a liquid or plasma. Everything in the universe is a chemical except for energy: heat and light. We are made of 100% chemicals; the air is full of chemicals; water is a chemical. Marketing terms that use \u2018chemical free\u2019 are misleading and just wrong. NOTHING except energy is chemical free. It is a way for marketers to provide a false sense of security that is, plainly, unethical.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_6d583362bb50567c57d0fd777854777a":"

Diabetes<\/div>
Diabetes in the nail salon\n

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that occurs when the body cannot properly produce or use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells where it is used for energy.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_b1c0d6ac2b2d57b70735cc3036131694":"

Pathogen<\/div>
Pathogen\n

A pathogen is the term used to describe an organism (any organism) that can produce disease. <\/p>\n
\n

Viruses, Bacteria\u00a0and Fungi\u00a0are 3 typical pathogens that we can come into contact within the nail salon or podiatry practice.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_2ae2a5a730f9a5ec8dd0c72128dbb020":"

Lotion<\/div>
hand lotion\n

A lotion\u00a0is a low-viscosity\u00a0product intended for application to the\u00a0skin. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n

Although there are many types of lotions,\u00a0hand lotions\u00a0and\u00a0body lotions\u00a0are meant to simply smooth, moisturize, soften and, sometimes, perfume the skin.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e7431d1154dd66f12c8e0559215cd86c":"

Fungal infection<\/div>
nail fungus, fungal infection on a toenail\n

A type of infection caused by a fungus, which can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, nails, and hair. Fungal infections <\/a>are typically characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation, and can be treated with antifungal medications. Some common types of fungal infections include athlete's foot, ringworm, and onychomycosis<\/a> (fungal infection of the nails).<\/p>\n<\/div>"}}; -->