When To Contact A Doctor
People can treat paronychia at home by minimizing germ exposure and frequently washing the infected area. However, they should only do this if symptoms are mild and the infection has not spread beyond the fingernail.
If symptoms do not improve after a few days or the infection has spread further than the nail, it is important to speak with a doctor.
For severe symptoms, contact a doctor immediately.
People can reduce their risk of developing nail infections by:
- moisturizing after washing the hands
- avoiding biting or chewing the nails
- taking care when cutting the nails
- keeping the hands and nails clean
- avoiding submerging the hands in water for long periods
- avoiding contact with irritants
Treating Fungal Nail Infection
Treatment may not be necessary in mild cases of fungal nail infection. For more severe or troublesome cases, antifungal medication may be recommended.
A fungal nail infection is unlikely to get better without treatment, but if you’re not bothered by it you might decide it’s not worth treating because treatment can take a long time, may cause side effects, and isn’t always effective.
Whether or not you decide to have treatment, you should still follow the self-help advice below to help stop the condition getting worse or spreading to others.
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This article was co-authored by . Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco’s “Top 3 Podiatrists” in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA .wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 21 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,904,383 times.
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About Toenail Infection And Fingernail Infection
Fingernail or toenail infections can be caused by fungus, bacteria or viruses.
Fungal nail infections are the most common. They happen when fungus gets into the nail through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin. Fungal infection of the nail is called onychomycosis.
Sometimes infections of the skin around the nail are caused by bacteria or viruses. This is called paronychia.
Fingernail infections and toenail infections can happen if your child bites or chews their fingernails or toenails.
Toenail infections can also happen if your child has an ingrown toenail. This is when the toenail pierces the skin around it. It makes it easier for bacteria to get into the skin.
Children are at a higher risk of nail infections if they have type-1 diabetes, type-2 diabetes or a lowered immune system because of certain medications or medical conditions. Children with Down syndrome also have a higher risk of nail infections.
Nail infections are common in adults but are much less common in children.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Paronychia
Acute paronychia presents with pain and swelling on a lateral nail fold. If an abscess is present, the area may be fluctuant, and a purulent discharge may be seen. Chronic paronychia presents with recurrent bouts of swelling of the nail folds. The proximal nail fold is typically involved. The symptoms are not as dramatic as seen with acute paronychia. Discomfort is present, and the affected area may have a spongy, boggy feel to it. Discharge is usually minimal, if present at all.
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Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus
Risk factors | Diagnosis | Home remedies | Over-the-counter medicine | Prescription drugs | When to see a doctor
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a common nail condition affecting millions of people in the United States. Fungal nail infections can develop on the nail from various organisms such as molds, yeasts, and fungi. This usually occurs after these organisms come into contact with a cracked nail or skin surrounding the nail as the opening provides a portal of entry for these organisms.
What Causes A Finger Infection
Bacteria cause most types of finger infections. The exception to this is the herpetic whitlow, which is caused by a virus. How the infection starts and is found in a particular location is what makes each specific type of infection unique. Usually, some form of trauma to the finger or hand is the initial event. This may be a cut, animal bite, or puncture wound.
Each of the main finger infections has specific signs and symptoms that make identification unique and may cause confusion if not properly evaluated.
- Deep space infections: The deep space infection that arises in the web space of the fingers is also called a collar button abscess. Symptoms and signs of deep space infections include pain and swelling in the space between the fingers. The area may also be red and warm to the touch. As the abscess becomes larger, the fingers will be slightly spread apart by the increasing pressure. The central area may have a soft spot that represents a collection of pus under the skin.
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What Is A Nail Infection
Paronychia is nail inflammation that may result from trauma, irritation or infection. It can affect fingernails or toenails.
Paronychia can develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail. The nail fold is where the skin and nail come together.
Healthcare providers treat paronychia with antibiotics to kill the infection. Providers may also drain pus . They may also culture the fluid to see what specific bacteria might be causing the infection.
Sometimes, the infection comes back or symptoms last for weeks . Chronic paronychia is more commonly caused by irritation from occupational or environmental exposures. Less often, it may be caused by a chronic bacterial or fungal infection.
How Common Is Paronychia
Paronychia is a common nail condition. Anyone can get a bacterial nail infection, but its more common among people who:
- Are exposed to irritants: Detergents and other chemicals can irritate the skin and lead to a nail bed infection. People who work with chemicals and dont wear protective gloves have a higher risk.
- Bite their nails or cuticles: Nail biting or picking at the cuticles can create tiny cracks in the nails or cuts in the skin. Bacteria may enter the skin through these small cuts.
- Have certain skin conditions: People who have underlying skin conditions may be more likely develop nail infections.
- Work with water: Bartenders, dishwashers and other people with jobs that require their hands to be wet have a higher risk of developing paronychia.
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Nail Trauma And Injury
This is by far the most common cause of nail infections. Trauma and injuries can result from a variety of situations that cause open wounds or legions. Among the most common are stepping on foreign objects paw pad burns or frostbite fights or self-inflicted injuries from allergies or stubbed nails that split, crack, or break.
Some dogs may not like their paw being handled if a traumatized nail is causing pain and sensitivity. Instead, they may lick or chew the area, leading to a slower healing process and an even higher risk of infection.
What Causes An Infected Toenail
Your toenail can become infected in a number of ways, including fungal infections or even calluses caused by your shoes. One of the most common types of toenail infections is an ingrown toenail. If your toenail is ingrown, it means the edges of your toenail start to grow into the skin next to your toenail. Ingrown toenails can be red and inflamed, sore, and may even be filled with pus.
The most common causes of an ingrown toenails include:
- Cutting your toenail too short or too long
- Toenail injury
- Curved toenails
- Improper footwear that puts pressure on your big toes
- Cutting your toenail improperly
- Certain sports and activities like dance, soccer, and skiing
- Poor foot hygiene
Infections on your toes may be common if you have diabetes or similar conditions that cause poor circulation or a weakened immune system. Diabetics should check their feet often and have regular appointments with a podiatrist because they may not feel the pain of a toe infection until the problem is severe.
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How To Treat Infected Ingrown Toenail
An ingrown toenail can cause redness, swelling, and pain around the toe and make it difficult to wear certain shoes. Moreover, standing or walking can be challenging. Fortunately, ingrown toenail treatment is simple, and you can take preventive care measures.
In most cases, you can treat it yourself at home. But it is best to see a doctor for severe cases of pain or an infection visible in your toenails surrounding tissue.
Our ingrown toenail treatment guide is here to help you determine whether or not you can treat your symptoms at home.
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When Does A Finger Infection Become Dangerous
The key to preventing impairment and probable loss of a finger is to get treatment as soon as feasible. If you see any indications or symptoms of a finger infection, see a doctor right once. Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs or symptoms of a felon, cellulitis, flexor tenosynovitis, or a deep space infection.
What Is The Best Thing To Soak An Infected Finger In
As finger infections tend to become more severe, there is limited scope for home remedies. A slight infection of the finger can be managed at home if the person does not have any underlying medical condition like diabetes. For other infections, seek immediate medical care to avoid disability or loss of the finger.
A simple infection of the finger can be treated by soaking it in:
- A mixture of pre-boiled warm water with antibacterial soap for 15 minutes, two to four times a day
- Water with Epsom salt to soothe the area and provide pain relief
- Apple cider vinegar because it has antibacterial and antifungal properties
- An antiseptic solution of warm water
However, if you do not find any improvement, then consult a physician without delay.
You can take care of an infected finger by following these instructions from the doctor:
- Wash the finger with clean water two times a day. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol.
- Next, cover the area with a thin layer of antiseptic ointment and a bandage.
- Take the antibiotics as prescribed. Complete the course of antibiotics even if you feel better.
- Take over the counter painkillers if required. However, do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless prescribed by the physician.
- Apply a warm compress or warm cloth on the infected finger.
- Elevate the infected finger above the level of the heart to reduce pain and swelling.
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How Is Paronychia Treated
Treatment for paronychia depends on how severe the infection is. If you have acute paronychia, soaking the infected nail in warm water 3 to 4 times a day can help reduce pain and swelling. It should heal up in a few days. If the infection is very painful, doesnt get better with home care, or has a pus-filled abscess, you may need to see your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if your paronychia is caused by bacteria. He or she may prescribe antifungal medicines if your infection is caused by a fungus.
If you have an abscess, your doctor may need to drain it. Your doctor will numb the area, separate the skin from the base or sides of the nail, and drain the pus.
If you have chronic paronychia, it is important to keep your nails dry and protect them from harsh chemicals. You may need to wear gloves or use a skin-drying cream to protect skin from moisture. You may need an antifungal medicine or antibiotic, depending on what is causing the infection.
Paronychia caused by a fungus can be hard to get rid of. Be patient and follow your doctors recommendations. If the infection does not clear up, be sure to tell your doctor.
Quick And Easy Ways To Prevent Nail Infections
Give your dog regular nail trims Its always a better idea to have a professional clip and file your pups nails, and your vet or groomer should be able to provide appointments! Never try to trim your dogs nails unless you have proper training, experience, and the essential tools .
Go on outdoor walks Pavement and other hard walking surfaces are some of the greatest natural nail filers out there. Regular activity is not only vital for a happy pup but crucial for optimal paw health.
Handle your dogs paws a lot This is the best way to check your pups nail health regularly and get them used to their paws being handled in future groomer and vet appointments.
Try to prevent too much licking and chewing This can be hard, especially during those hours of the day and night when youre not around to watch your pup. But the biggest key to preventing any type of infection, especially after trauma or injury, is making sure the area stays dry, healthy, and clean of bacteria.
Address any skin allergies as soon as you can The earlier you catch allergy-related issues causing contact dermatitis, the better chances it wont affect the nails.
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How To Spot A Nail Infection In Your Dog
A swollen nail bed on one or more of your dogs nails or inflammation across a paw is usually the first warning sign. Other symptoms include :
- Biting, chewing, or licking at nails
- Pain or sensitivity
- Onychorrhexis
- Foul odor
If symptoms are seen on more than one nail or across multiple paws, a much larger issue could be at play and you should talk to your vet immediately.
What Is A Paronychia
Paronychia is an infection of the folds of skin surrounding the fingernail. There are two types of paronychia: acute and chronic. While paronychial infections are typically mild in severity, they can be complicated by abscess formation, felon, or osteomyelitis of the finger. It is important to seek treatment for a paronychia early before complications develop. Diabetics and people who are immunocompromised are prone to more serious presentations of paronychia.
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What Is The Outlook For People With Paronychia
Paronychia usually clears up with treatment. Some people get more than one infection, or the infection comes back after treatment . Untreated, the infection can cause damage to the nail.
Rarely, untreated paronychia can go deeper into the finger or toe and lead to a serious infection. The infection may progress to involve the underlying bone. In severe cases, providers need to remove a finger or toe to make sure the infection doesnt spread to the rest of the body. Severe, chronic paronychia most often affects people who have diabetes or conditions that cause problems with blood circulation.
How Do I Treat A Cuticle Infection
A cuticle infection, or paronychia, is an infection of the skin surrounding the nail bed, and can be caused by injury or damage to the nail bed. It is often characterized by red, swollen, warm skin surrounding the nail, which may include pus as well. It may also be accompanied by a fever or swollen glands, and if this occurs, it is important to get to the doctor immediately to treat a systemic infection with antibiotics.
A cuticle infection may be a one-time acute occurrence, or it may be a chronic condition affecting more than one nail. A doctor can diagnose a chronic cuticle infection. One common way that an infection of the cuticle occurs is by getting a manicure with unclean tools, or by clipping the cuticles and causing injury. If you go to a salon to get manicures or pedicures, be sure that the tools such as nail clippers and files are sterilized, or just bring your own.
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