Sophia Delgado
Nail infections, also known as paronychia, are bacterial or fungal infections that develop around the nail. They can occur when biting or chewing nails, or when working with water or harsh chemicals. Paronychia can be acute or chronic. Acute paronychia appears over a few hours or days and lasts less than six weeks, whereas chronic paronychia has a slower onset and lasts six weeks or longer. Treatment for nail infections depends on the severity and cause of the infection, and can include home remedies, antibiotics, or antifungal medicines. It is important to follow the treatment plan and maintain good nail hygiene to prevent the infection from returning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of infection | Bacterial or fungal |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, antifungal medicines, incision and drainage method |
| Treatment duration | A few months to 6-12 months |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, redness, tenderness, pus-filled abscesses, thickening of the nail, discolouration, brittleness, nail separation from skin |
| Risk factors | Jobs requiring wet hands, underlying skin conditions, diabetes, weak immune system |
| Prevention | Good hand and nail hygiene, avoiding nail biting and cutting cuticles too close |
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What You'll Learn
Acute paronychia treatment
Acute paronychia is a bacterial or fungal skin infection that develops around the nail. It is a superficial infection of the epithelium lateral to the nail plate. It is caused by polymicrobial infections after the protective nail barrier has been breached. Acute paronychia develops over a few hours or days, and treatment can reduce symptoms rapidly.
Treatment
Acute paronychia is usually treated with warm soaks with or without Burow solution or 1% acetic acid. Topical antibiotics should be used with or without topical steroids when simple soaks do not relieve the inflammation. Oral antibiotics are usually not needed if adequate drainage is achieved, unless the patient is immunocompromised or a severe infection is present.
If pus has built up around the nail bed and isn't draining on its own, a doctor may drain the pus. This procedure is referred to as the incision and drainage method. The doctor will first provide a local anesthetic, then open the nail fold enough to insert gauze to help drain the pus.
People can treat mild acute paronychia at home by washing the infected area and preventing further exposure to germs. Home remedies include soaking the infected area in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day, and applying lemon and salt.
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Chronic paronychia treatment
Chronic paronychia is a skin infection around a fingernail or toenail that lasts six weeks or longer. It is characterised by inflammation lasting for more than six weeks and involving one or more of the three nail folds. It is often caused by irritation from occupational or environmental exposures, such as repeated exposure to irritants like acids, alkalis, soaps, detergents, and other chemicals.
- Avoiding exposure to moist environments and contact irritants like soaps and detergents.
- Keeping the affected area dry and applying moisturisers after washing hands.
- Wearing rubber gloves, preferably with inner cotton gloves or cotton liners, when working with probable exposure to irritants.
- Keeping nails short and avoiding nail manipulation, such as manicuring, finger sucking, or attempting to drain the lesion.
- Topical and systemic steroids may be used successfully, as they are more effective than systemic anti-fungals.
- Oral antibiotics are usually not needed unless the patient is immunocompromised or has a severe infection.
- In recalcitrant cases, surgical management like eponychial marsupialization and en bloc excision of the nail fold may be performed without removing the nail plate.
It is important to note that chronic paronychia may be an indication of an underlying condition, such as metastatic cancer, subungual melanoma, or squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, if chronic paronychia does not respond to conventional treatment, further investigation is necessary.
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Home remedies
Paronychia
Paronychia is a bacterial or fungal skin infection that develops around the nail. It can be caused by biting or chewing nails, or frequently exposing nails to water or chemicals. Mild cases can be treated at home by soaking the infected area in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly. Soaking the cuticle and nail bed helps pus drain from under the skin. Some individuals claim that placing the affected finger in a lemon sprinkled with salt for a few minutes until the infection goes away is also a cure. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this.
Onychia
Onychia is an infection of the nail itself, causing inflammation and swelling of the surrounding tissue. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat this.
Toenail Fungus
Fungal nail infections are not usually serious but can take a long time to treat. They are caused by a fungus that is normally present in fingernails or toenails overgrowing. Toenail fungus can cause discolouration, thickness, and cracking. While medical treatments are the only proven methods to effectively treat nail fungus, the following home remedies may help clear up symptoms:
- Vicks VapoRub: Apply a small amount to the affected area at least once a day. Its active ingredients, camphor and eucalyptus oil, may help treat toenail fungus.
- Snakeroot extract: Apply to the affected area every third day for the first month, twice a week for the second, and once a week for the third.
- Tea tree oil: Paint directly onto the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
- Oregano oil: Apply to the affected nail twice daily with a cotton swab.
- Hydrogen peroxide: The Global Nail Fungus Organization lists this substance as a remedy.
It is important to note that there is currently no evidence that any home remedy can fully cure a fungal nail infection. If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, do not attempt to treat toenail fungus with home remedies. Contact your doctor for the appropriate course of action.
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Preventing nail infections
Keep your nails dry and clean
Fungal nail infections thrive in warm and damp environments. Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas like showers and gyms, and wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe. If your feet tend to sweat a lot, change your socks regularly and opt for footwear that is not too tight.
Practice good nail hygiene
Keep your nails trimmed and clean. Wash your hands and feet regularly, especially after any activities that involve water or chemicals. Be sure to dry your nails thoroughly after washing. Avoid biting your nails or cuticles, as this can create tiny cracks or cuts that bacteria can enter through.
Protect your nails
If you work with chemicals or irritants, wear protective gloves to reduce direct contact with your skin and nails. If you have a job that requires frequent hand washing or exposure to water, consider using moisturizers to prevent excessive dryness, which can lead to cracks and breaks in the nails.
Be cautious with manicures and pedicures
Nail trauma, such as frequent manicures or pedicures, can increase the risk of nail infections. Choose reputable salons that practice proper sanitation and sterilization of their tools. Avoid sharing nail tools and ensure that all instruments are cleaned and disinfected before use.
Treat underlying skin conditions
Certain skin conditions can make you more susceptible to nail infections. If you have any skin issues, such as eczema or psoriasis, work with a dermatologist to manage them effectively and reduce your risk of nail infections.
By following these preventive measures, you can lower your chances of developing nail infections and maintain healthy and strong nails.
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When to see a doctor
If you suspect you have a nail infection, it is important to identify whether it is bacterial or fungal. Bacterial nail infections, also known as paronychia, occur when bacteria get under the skin around the nail. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the nail. In more severe cases, pus may build up under the skin, forming a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess. If left untreated, the nail can become abnormally shaped, discoloured, dry, and brittle.
Fungal nail infections, on the other hand, are characterized by thickening, discolouration, and distortion of the nail. The nail becomes brittle and prone to breaking or crumbling. While these infections are not typically serious, they can take a long time to treat and may require several months of medication.
If you believe you are experiencing a bacterial nail infection, it is recommended that you seek medical attention, especially if the infection is causing severe symptoms or is not improving with home care. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or perform a procedure to drain any pus-filled abscesses.
For suspected fungal nail infections, it is advisable to consult a pharmacist or your primary care provider. They may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the affected nail. In more persistent or severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antifungal tablets, but these are not suitable for everyone, and you may need to undergo blood tests to check your liver function before starting this type of treatment.
In summary, while most nail infections can be treated effectively, it is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing severe symptoms, if the infection is not improving with home care, or if you are unsure about the type of infection you have. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to prevent potential complications and ensure a full recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of infection and the treatment method. Acute paronychia lasts less than six weeks, while symptoms of chronic paronychia can last six weeks or longer. Antifungal treatments for fungal nail infections can take a few months to a year to work.
Symptoms of a nail infection include pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the nail. The skin around the nail may be warm to the touch. Pus may build up under the skin, forming a white to yellow, pus-filled abscess. The nail may become thick, discoloured, brittle, crumbly, or distorted.
Nail infections occur when bacteria or fungi get under the skin around the nail. Biting or chewing the nails is a common cause of nail infections. People with jobs that require frequent hand-washing or exposure to water and chemicals are also at a higher risk of developing nail infections.
Treatment for a nail infection depends on the type and severity of the infection. Acute paronychia can often be treated at home by soaking the infected nail in warm water and frequently washing the infected area. For severe infections or infections that do not improve with home treatment, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungal medications.
To prevent nail infections, it is important to maintain good hand and nail hygiene. This includes keeping your nails clean and dry, avoiding biting or chewing your nails, and wearing gloves when working with water or chemicals.
