Nail Infection Signs: Spotting The Red Flags

If you suspect you have a finger nail infection, you should look out for swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.

Swelling at the base of the nail

If you suspect that your finger nail is infected, you should look out for swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

If you suspect that you have a paronychia, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will need to know about your history of nail biting or any punctures wounds or cuts to help with the diagnosis.

In the meantime, you can try to treat the infection at home by soaking the affected area in warm water for at least once every two hours. You can also take a short course of antibiotics to help reduce the infection. However, if the infection is established and there is a collection of pus, you will need to have the area incised and drained by a medical professional.

Pain and sensitivity to touch

If you suspect that your finger nail is infected, you should look out for swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. Paronychia, a common finger infection, is often caused by bacteria introduced under the cuticle and can be diagnosed with a history of nail biting. Felon, a deep tissue abscess, can develop if the infection continues. If the infection is caught early when the nail base is a little swollen and red, you can prescribe frequent warm soaks (at least once every two hours), and a short course of antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin). An established infection and pus collection require incision and drainage.

Pus build-up

If you suspect that your finger nail is infected, you should seek medical attention. A pus build-up is a common sign of a nail root infection called paronychia. Paronychia is a common infection that 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.

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. The area will be tender and painful to the touch. The drainage from the area is usually a cloudy white-yellow color.

If the infection is large, a part of the nail may be removed. If the infection is caught early when the nail base is a little swollen and red, you can prescribe frequent warm soaks (at least once every two hours), and a short course of antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin). An established infection and pus collection require incision and drainage.

Redness around the nail

If you suspect that your finger nail is infected, you should look out for redness around the nail. This is a common sign of paronychia, an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. It is often caused by the introduction of bacteria under the cuticle, which can be from nail biting or chewing a hangnail with your teeth.

If you notice redness around the nail, you should also look out for swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. If the infection is caught early, you can treat it with frequent warm soaks and antibiotics. However, if the infection is established and there is pus collection, you will need to incise and drain the area.

In addition to redness around the nail, you should also look out for other signs of infection, such as a visible collection of pus under the skin and nail, a cloudy white-yellow drainage from the area, and a history of nail biting or a puncture wound or cut. If you notice any of these signs, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

History of nail biting

Paronychia is an infection of the nail root of the fingers or toes. It is a very common infection and is often caused by bacteria under the cuticle from people chewing or ripping a hangnail with their teeth. It is also seen in barbers. Staphylococcus is the most common bacteria found in a wound culture, but any kind of bacteria from the mouth can be present. Patients usually seek help after a few days of increasing swelling and pain at the base of a nail.

Paronychia has specific signs and symptoms that make identification unique and can sometimes cause confusion if not properly evaluated. Physical signs of a finger paronychia include swelling at the base of the nail, sensitivity to touch, pain, and pressure from pus build-up. If the infection is caught early when the nail base is a little swollen and red, you can prescribe frequent warm soaks (at least once every two hours), and a short course of antibiotics (e.g., cephalexin). An established infection and pus collection require incision and drainage.

Felon is a deep tissue abscess that can develop if the infection continues. It is characterized by the fingertip being swollen and painful. The swelling usually develops over several days and is located in the pad area of the fingertip.

A history of nail biting may aid the diagnosis of paronychia. Paronychia is a history of nail biting may aid the diagnosis. Felon is a history of a puncture wound or cut that will aid the diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions