Some individuals develop an infection along the edge of the fingernail or toe nail-this is known as paronychia. It is a very common hand infection and frequently seen in individuals who bite their nails. When left untreated, paronychia can progress and involve the entire finger or toe. It is also quite painful.
Paronychia Causes
Paronychia is commonly caused by bacteria that reside on skin. When the skin around the nail edges has been broken or damaged, these bacteria can easily cause an infection. Common causes which lead to skin damage around nails is nail biting, finger sucking, frequent dishwashing with bare hands, regular encounters with harsh chemicals and detergents or improper clipping of nails. Besides bacteria, fungi can also cause paronychia.
Symptoms
Paronychia usually starts with redness and swelling that is localized to the lateral side of nail. Pain is constant and is made worse by pressing on the nail. Often, there may be a yellowish discharge from the nail edge. When the fingertip starts to swell, chances are that fluid has collected under the skin and is most likely pus (abscess)
The most common symptoms of a paronychia are:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pus collection
- Pain
- Tenderness to touch
Showing posts with label nail infection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nail infection. Show all posts
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
fungus infection of the nail part 2
Which nails are infected with fungi?
Overall toenail are more often infected than fingernails. The reason is that toenails are often exposed to sweaty tight shoes, dirty floors, and warm moist areas like swimming pool floors.
Another reason why toes nails are more frequently infected with fungi may be due to decreased blood circulation. When blood supply is decreased, the body may be unable to fight off infections.
Nail fungus infection is more common in adults compared to children. The reasons for this include:
- Decreased blood circulation
- More years of exposure
- With age nails grow slowly, become thick,
and become more susceptible to infection
- Nail infections also is more common in men then women
- There may be a family history of fungal infections
What are risk factors for fungus infection?
- Individuals who sweat profusely and continuously
- Working in hot humid environments
- Wear tight fitting shoes
- Wearing nylon socks that do not absorb moisture well
- Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as
swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
- Having a minor injury, scarp or cut and working in
warm most environment
- Having diabetes, poor blood circulation or a very
weak immune system
Overall toenail are more often infected than fingernails. The reason is that toenails are often exposed to sweaty tight shoes, dirty floors, and warm moist areas like swimming pool floors.
Another reason why toes nails are more frequently infected with fungi may be due to decreased blood circulation. When blood supply is decreased, the body may be unable to fight off infections.
Nail fungus infection is more common in adults compared to children. The reasons for this include:
- Decreased blood circulation
- More years of exposure
- With age nails grow slowly, become thick,
and become more susceptible to infection
- Nail infections also is more common in men then women
- There may be a family history of fungal infections
What are risk factors for fungus infection?
- Individuals who sweat profusely and continuously
- Working in hot humid environments
- Wear tight fitting shoes
- Wearing nylon socks that do not absorb moisture well
- Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as
swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
- Having a minor injury, scarp or cut and working in
warm most environment
- Having diabetes, poor blood circulation or a very
weak immune system
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