Cuticle Infection

Cuticle infection or paronychia is the infection of the tissues surrounding the nail bed. It most commonly affects the skin and tissues adjacent to the nail. It can be of two types, acute and chronic.

Acute paronychia is characterized by red, swollen and painful nails, and the condition develops all of a sudden. It is usually caused by an injury to the area surrounding the nail bed, which can be caused by nail biting or picking the skin near the nails, and aggressive manicuring. Such injury can provide an opportunity for the bacteria to attack and invade the injured area, which can eventually lead to an infection. On the other hand, chronic paronychia can develop gradually and can spread from one nail fold to another. The affected nail folds become red, tender and swollen and can also rise above the nail.

Causes of Paronychia

Paronychia can be caused by bacteria, fungi and yeast and accordingly, it can be bacterial paronychia, fungal paronychia and candidal paronychia. Usually, injury to the skin around the nail or any untreated wound close to the nail facilitates the entry of these infectious agents, which eventually can result in this condition. This kind of infection can be more commonly found in people having the habit of biting their nails and those who trim the cuticles and push back or prick the cuticles harshly. Even selenium toxicity and exposure to certain chemicals and excessive moisture can also cause paronychia. On the other hand, individuals with diabetes and fungal nail infection are found to be more susceptible to fungal paronychia.

Paronychia Symptoms

It usually manifest in painful, swollen and red edges around the nail. The nail bed can also become red and tender to touch and sometimes, the nail can loosen from the nail bed. Occasionally, pus filled blisters too can develop near the nail bed, especially, if the infection is caused by bacteria. Apart from these symptoms, one can experience changes in nail coloration and shape. The affected nail can become yellow or green and can distort and become brittle.

Treatment for Paronychia

The treatment depends on whether it is acute or chronic. The acute paronychia is most commonly caused by bacteria, for which it is treated with the administration of appropriate oral antibiotics and antibiotic ointments. On the other hand, chronic paronychia is usually caused by fungi, and hence, can be treated with anti fungal creams.

Certain home remedies can help you get relief from the pain and inflammation of the infected area. For bacterial infection, you can soak the infected nail in warm water several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation. You can also mix a small amount of white vinegar to the water to soak the infected area. Follow this home treatment with the application of topical antibacterial creams or ointments.

If the infection is caused by fungi, then keep the infected area as dry as possible, and apply antifungal creams several times a day. To dry out the infected area, Castellani's paint can be used, if your physician approves of it. To prevent this condition in the future, keep your hands and feet clean, and avoid biting your fingernails. Also avoid exposing your nails to excessive moisture and harsh detergents and soaps. Make sure that the implements used for manicure are clean and sanitized. Try to go slow while manicuring, avoid cutting or pushing the cuticle too harshly and never leave any wound near the nail untreated. Make sure to consult your physician if you observe the symptoms, especially when they look alarming.