Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the
fingernails and toenails. Bacteria or a type of yeast called Candida cause this
infection. Bacteria and yeast can even combine into one infection.
Depending on the cause of the infection, paronychia may come
on slowly and last for weeks or show up suddenly and last for only one or two
days. The symptoms of paronychia are easy to spot and can usually be easily and
successfully treated with little or no damage to your skin and nails. Your
infection can become severe and even result in a partial or complete loss of
your nail if it’s not treated.
Acute and Chronic Paronychia
Paronychia can be either acute or chronic depending on the
speed of onset, the duration, and the infecting agents.
Acute Paronychia
An acute infection almost always occurs around the
fingernails and develops quickly. It’s usually the result of damage to the skin
around the nails from biting, hangnails, manicures, or other physical trauma.
Staphylococcus bacteria are the most likely infecting agent in the case of
acute paronychia.
Chronic Paronychia
Chronic paronychia can occur on your fingers or toes, and it
comes on slowly. It lasts for several weeks and often comes back. It’s
typically caused by more than one infecting agent, often Candida yeast and a
bacteria. It’s more common in people who are constantly exposed to a moist
environment.
What Are the Symptoms of Paronychia?
The symptoms of both acute and chronic paronychia are very
similar. They’re largely distinguished from each other by the speed of onset
and the duration of the infection. Chronic infections come on slowly and last
for many weeks. Acute infections develop quickly and don’t last long. Both
infections have the following symptoms:
- · redness of the skin around the nail
- · tenderness of the skin around the nail
- · pus-filled blisters
- · changes in nail shape, color, or texture
- · detachment of the nail
What Causes Paronychia?
There are multiple causes of both acute and chronic
paronychia. The underlying cause of each is bacteria, Candida yeast, or a
combination of the two agents.
Acute Paronychia
A bacterial agent that’s introduced to the area around the
nail by some type of trauma typically causes an acute infection. This can be
from biting your nails or hangnails, being punctured by manicurist tools,
pushing down your cuticles too aggressively, and other similar types of
injuries.
Chronic Paronychia
The underlying agent of infection in chronic paronychia is
most commonly Candida yeast, but it can also be a bacteria. Because yeasts grow
well in moist environments, this infection is often caused by having your feet
or hands in water too much of the time.
How Is Paronychia Diagnosed?
In most cases, a doctor can diagnose paronychia simply by
observing it.
Your doctor may send a sample of the tissue from your
infection to a lab if treatment doesn’t seem to be helping. This will determine
the exact infecting agent and will allow your doctor to prescribe the best
treatment.
How Is Paronychia Treated?
Home treatments are often very successful in treating mild
cases. You can soak the infected area in hot water several times per day and
apply antibiotic ointment. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to take by
mouth if the infection is more severe or if it isn’t responding to home
treatments. You may also need to have blisters or abscesses cut and drained of
fluids to relieve discomfort and speed healing.
Chronic paronychia is more difficult to treat. You’ll need
to see your doctor because home treatment isn’t likely to work. Your doctor
will probably prescribe an antifungal medication and advise you to keep the
area dry. In severe cases, you may need surgery to remove part of the nail.
How Can Paronychia Be Prevented?
Good hygiene is important for preventing paronychia. Keep
your hands and feet clean to prevent bacteria from getting between your nails
and skin. Avoiding trauma caused by biting, manicures, or pedicures can also
help you prevent acute infections.
To prevent a chronic infection, you can avoid exposure to
water and wet environments and keep your hands and feet as dry as possible.
What Is the Long-Term Outlook?
The outlook is good if you have a mild case of acute
paronychia. You can treat it successfully, and it’s unlikely to return. If you
let it go untreated for too long, the outlook is still good if you get medical
treatment.
Chronic infection is likely to last for weeks or months.
Treatment should help it clear up.
0 comments:
Post a Comment