Paronychia
Paronychia is an infection of the skin that surrounds a nail. It usually affects the skin around a fingernail but may also occur near a toenail. It often causes pain and swelling around the nail. This condition may come on suddenly or develop over a longer period. In some cases, a collection of pus (abscess) can form near or under the nail. Paronychia is usually not serious and clears up with treatment.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by bacteria or fungi. It is commonly caused by the bacteria called Streptococcus or Staphylococcus. The bacteria or fungi often get into the affected area through a cut in the skin.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in:
• People who get their hands wet often, such as those who work as dishwashers, …show more content…
• Fluid or pus under the nail.
• Throbbing pain in the area.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is usually diagnosed with a physical exam. In some cases, a sample of pus may be taken from an abscess to be tested in a lab. This can help determine what type of bacteria or fungi is causing the condition.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause and severity of the condition. If the condition is mild, it may clear up on its own in a few days. Your health care provider may recommend soaking the affected area in warm water a few times a day. When treatment is needed, the options may include:
• Antibiotic medicine if the condition is caused by a bacterial infection.
• Antifungal medicine if the condition is caused by a fungal infection.
• Incision and drainage if an abscess is present. In this procedure, the health care provider will cut open the abscess so the pus can drain out.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Soak the affected area in warm water if directed to do so by your health care provider. You may be told to do this for 20 minutes 2–3 times a day. Keep the area dry in between soakings.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care
Paronychia is an infection of the skin that surrounds a nail. It usually affects the skin around a fingernail but may also occur near a toenail. It often causes pain and swelling around the nail. This condition may come on suddenly or develop over a longer period. In some cases, a collection of pus (abscess) can form near or under the nail. Paronychia is usually not serious and clears up with treatment.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by bacteria or fungi. It is commonly caused by the bacteria called Streptococcus or Staphylococcus. The bacteria or fungi often get into the affected area through a cut in the skin.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in:
• People who get their hands wet often, such as those who work as dishwashers, …show more content…
• Fluid or pus under the nail.
• Throbbing pain in the area.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is usually diagnosed with a physical exam. In some cases, a sample of pus may be taken from an abscess to be tested in a lab. This can help determine what type of bacteria or fungi is causing the condition.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause and severity of the condition. If the condition is mild, it may clear up on its own in a few days. Your health care provider may recommend soaking the affected area in warm water a few times a day. When treatment is needed, the options may include:
• Antibiotic medicine if the condition is caused by a bacterial infection.
• Antifungal medicine if the condition is caused by a fungal infection.
• Incision and drainage if an abscess is present. In this procedure, the health care provider will cut open the abscess so the pus can drain out.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Soak the affected area in warm water if directed to do so by your health care provider. You may be told to do this for 20 minutes 2–3 times a day. Keep the area dry in between soakings.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care