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Paronychia

Paronychia

aronychia is a disease of the Perineum, where the skin around the surface of the nail hangs loosely. It has been found most often in the U.S., usually in kids who have a habit of biting their nails or sucking their fingers. There two forms of Paronchial infection, Chronic Paronychia and Acute Paronychia. The forms are judged according to the length of time it remains in the body.

Paronychia is a viral infection that grows gradually stronger, resulting in a bumpiness, softness and redness surrounding the nails. The main culprits for this infection are Candida and mold. It can be passed from person to person via touch.

Causes of Paronychia

Most forms of Paronychia occur by a nick or break in the skin being infected. If a person has a hangnail or a habit of chewing their nails, this is a good way for the infection to enter the area. There is evidence of Streptococcus and Pseudomonas germs getting into the infected area and making it worse. The chronic form of Paronychia is typically linked with the use of abrasives, for instance soaps and detergents while washing. The chronic infections are typically the result of Candida albcans or other fungus.

Acute Paronychia occurs when the skin around the nail becomes inflamed and swells causing pain to the afflicted person. Pus may develop and ooze from the infected area, removing the top layer of the nail.

Chronic Paronychia is a longer lasting case and the nails can become so infected that they develop a greenish tinge around the edges of the skin.

Diagnosis

In the cases of Acute Paronychia, a culture of the pus can be taken to determine what kind (or kinds) of infection is occurring and then treatment can be prescribed. Chronic Paronychia can be a bit more difficult to diagnose and treat, though a potassium hydroxide test may be able to determine which fungus is the source of the infection.

Treatment

  • Massaging the afflicted area in hot water three to four times per day can help relieve some of the pain and swelling
  • Antibiotics such as diclogacilin and cephelaxin may be prescribed
  • If the swelling is severe, the area may need to be punctured and drained
  • Part of the nail may need to be removed in some cases
  • An antifungal may also be prescribed

Things that should NOT be used to cure Paronychia

  • Do not use topical antibiotics
  • Do not take prescribed steroids

Unusual cases of people who have contracted Paronychia have occurred in patients with:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • On steroids
  • High blood sugar
  • Poor circulation

Prevention

  • Don’t chew or bite your nails
  • Don’t suck on your fingers or thumbs
  • Don’t immerse your hands in water without wearing protective gloves