Nail Infection: To Trim Or Not To Trim?

If you have an infection on your finger, you may want to lance the infected area along the nail to allow drainage. This is often done using a scalpel to make a simple incision over the pus to allow drainage. If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed.

Paronychia: infection of the nail root

Paronychia is an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. It is a common infection and is caused by the introduction of bacteria under the cuticle. This is often from people chewing or ripping a hangnail with their teeth, and is also seen in barbers. In a wound culture, Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria. But, you can have any kind of bacteria (such as anaerobes) from the mouth. Patients usually seek help after a few days of increasing swelling and pain at the base of a nail. The area is sensitive and pressure from the building pus is painful.

The area next to the fingernail will appear red and swollen. A visible collection of pus may be seen under the skin and nail. This fluid may be actually leaking out of the wound. If the infection continues, it can extend to the pulp of the finger and cause a felon, or deep tissue abscess. This requires aggressive procedures and can even lead to loss of function or amputation.

Paronychia can be treated by draining the pus. This can be done by making a simple incision over the collection of pus to allow drainage. Or the scalpel may be inserted along the edge of the nail to allow drainage. If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed.

Felon: bacterial infection of the finger pad

Felon is a bacterial infection of the finger pad, usually caused by a puncture wound. It is caused by the same organisms that cause paronychia, which is an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. Felon can be painful and sensitive and can spread to the surrounding tissue next to the nail and cuticle. If the infection continues, it can extend to the pulp of the finger and cause a felon, or deep tissue abscess. This requires aggressive procedures and can even lead to loss of function or amputation.

The area next to the fingernail will appear red and swollen and a visible collection of pus may be seen under the skin and nail. This fluid may be actually leaking out of the wound.

If you have a felon, you should seek medical help after a few days of increasing swelling and pain at the base of a nail.

Commonly a scalpel is used to make a simple incision over the collection of pus to allow drainage. Or the scalpel may be inserted along the edge of the nail to allow drainage. If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed.

Abscess: deep tissue infection

An abscess is a deep tissue infection that can occur in the fingers. It is a serious condition that can spread to the surrounding tissue next to the nail and cuticle and can cause loss of function or amputation.

The infection can be caused by bacteria that enter the body through a puncture wound. This is often seen in barbers and can be contracted by people chewing or ripping a hangnail with their teeth.

Symptoms of an abscess include swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed.

The treatment for an abscess is to allow drainage of the pus to prevent further infection. This can be done by making a simple incision over the collection of pus using a scalpel or by inserting the scalpel along the edge of the nail to allow drainage.

Scalpel incision: draining pus

When a finger infection is left untreated, it can spread to the surrounding tissue next to the nail and cuticle. This can lead to a felon, a bacterial infection of the finger pad, or a deep tissue abscess. If this happens, aggressive procedures may be required, and the infection can even lead to loss of function or amputation.

Paronychia, an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes, is a very common infection. It is caused by the introduction of bacteria under the cuticle, often from people chewing or ripping a hangnail with their teeth. Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria found in a wound culture, but any kind of bacteria can be present.

Physical signs of a finger paronychia include swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. The area is sensitive and pressure from the building pus is painful.

If you suspect you have a finger infection, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor may use a scalpel to make a simple incision over the collection of pus to allow drainage. The scalpel may also be inserted along the edge of the nail to allow drainage. If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed.

Nail removal: large infections

If you have a large infection in your finger, you may need to remove part of the nail. Paronychia is an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. It is a common infection and is caused by the introduction of bacteria under the cuticle. This is often from people chewing or ripping a hangnail with their teeth, and is also seen in barbers. In a wound culture, Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria. But, you can have any kind of bacteria (such as anaerobes) from the mouth. Patients usually seek help after a few days of increasing swelling and pain at the base of a nail. The area is sensitive and pressure from the building pus is painful.

The infection can then spread to the surrounding tissue next to the nail and cuticle. Felon: This bacterial infection of the finger pad, caused by the same organisms that cause paronychia, is usually the result of a puncture wound. If the infection continues, it can extend to the pulp of the finger and cause a felon, or deep tissue abscess. This requires aggressive procedures and can even lead to loss of function or amputation.

Physical signs of a finger paronychia include swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. The area next to the fingernail will appear red and swollen. A visible collection of pus may be seen under the skin and nail. This fluid may be actually leaking out of the wound.

If you have a large infection, a scalpel may be used to make a simple incision over the collection of pus to allow drainage. Or the scalpel may be inserted along the edge of the nail to allow drainage.

Frequently asked questions