Paronychia is a skin infection that develops around the nail. It occurs when bacteria or fungi get under the skin.
Paronychia can result from biting or chewing the nails, but it is more common when working conditions require the hands to be frequently wet or exposed to chemicals.
Most cases of paronychia are not serious, and there are several effective treatments. This article will discuss the causes and treatments of the infection.
This skin infection causes inflammation, swelling, and discomfort around the nail. Abscesses containing pus can also form.
Paronychia can occur at any age and is easily treatable.
In rare cases, the infection can spread to the rest of the finger or toe. If this happens, a person should see their doctor.
Some symptoms of paronychia resemble those of different skin infections. Other symptoms directly affect the nail itself.
Paronychia symptoms include:
The infection occurs when the skin around the nail becomes damaged, allowing germs to enter.
Bacteria or fungi can cause paronychia, and common culprits are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.
Common causes of skin damage around the nail include:
Apis Mellifica – With Marked Redness, Swelling and Pain
This medicine is prominent for cases where intense pain is present around the nail. Redness and swelling is also marked around the nail .In cases needing it the pain can be burning, stinging or throbbing in nature. It is also very sensitive and tender to touch. The pain can sometimes extend from finger upwards to the arm.
Hepar Sulph works well in cases in which pus forms around the nail. In cases needing it beating or throbbing pain is present along with pus. The skin over affected area is inflamed, hot and swollen. Pus that exudes is offensive and can also be blood stained.
This medicine is indicated when there is a splinter-like sensation around the nail. Sometimes a sensation of a piece of glass is felt in the area around the nail. Additionally the nails are discoloured, yellow. The nails can be crumbling also. In many cases needing it ingrown toenails can be present.
Silicea is very effective for cases where pus filled eruptions are present and nails are yellow, damaged. In cases where this medicine is required thin watery pus may discharge from eruptions or brownish pus may flow out. The pus smells bad. Lancinating pains can be present in the eruptions. Along with this nail are yellow, brittle. The nails are also rough, crippled. Hang – nails or ingrown nails can be present too.
This medicine is prepared from plant Myristica sebifera. That plant belongs to the family myristicaceae. It is a great medicine for cases where pus has formed around the nails. In such cases it helps to speed up the recovery and resolve the infection in a short time. People who need it have pus collected around their nails. They also have pain and swelling in this region. Pain in finger nails is also there.
This medicine is prepared from plant Ledum Palustre having the common name wild rosemary and marsh cistus. This plant belongs to family ericaceae. It is well indicated when paronychia occurs from splinters or it follows some external injury around the nail or a puncture wound like with a prick from a needle. It is often useful in the first stage after injury. Relief may be there by cold application around the nail where it is required.
This medicine is prepared from the fresh roots of plant Dioscorea Villosa. Commonly known as Wild yam. This plant belongs to the family dioscoreaceae. This medicine is useful for early stage pain. For using it the pain is sharp, pricking type. Along with this nails can be brittle too.
Natrum Sulph is beneficial medicine when water filled blisters form on skin near the nail. It is red and very painful. Swelling around it is quite marked. Pus formation may also be present around the root of the nail.
This medicine is valuable for cases having stitching and throbbing pain in the skin area surrounding the nail. The throbbing worsens at might. This affected skin area is also swollen. In some cases requiring it pus forms around the nail. It is also indicated when pus gets under the nail and the nail comes out. When a new nail forms it is yellow, thick and out of shape. The nail is painful to touch.
Natrum Mur is prominently indicated for cases where paronychia arise from hangnails. In these cases the skin around nails is dry, cracked and torn. In many cases needing it blisters with watery fluid can also be present.