The patient admits removing a hangnail from the nail in question, causing a little bleeding. Then followed the slow onset of chronic pain and swelling, which has. Rarely, a fungus causes this infection, which usually begins as a hangnail. Often a person will attempt to bite off the piece of nail that is at the.
What is a fingernail infection?A fingernail infection is an infection at the base of the fingernail caused by bacteria or yeast.Your child will probably have:. A large pimple at the junction of the cuticle and the fingernail. Redness and tenderness of this area.
Occasionally, pus draining from this areaWhat is the cause?If the cuticle has a large pimple or is draining pus, it is usually infected with the Staphylococcus bacteria. The bacteria usually enters the skin through a break in the skin caused by pulling on or chewing on the cuticle.
If the cuticle area is only red and swollen without pus, it is usually due to Candida (yeast). Yeast infections usually occur in children that suck their thumb or finger, bite their nails, swim a lot, or have waterlogged cuticles from other activities.How long will it last?With proper treatment, this infection should clear up in 7 days. If not, your doctor will probably prescribe an oral antibiotic.How can I take care of my child?. Antiseptic soaksIf the cause is bacteria, soak the infected finger 3 times a day for 15 minutes in warm water and liquid antibacterial soap. Do this for 4 days, or longer if the wound has not healed. Antibiotic ointments (for bacterial infection)Buy an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. Apply the ointment 4 times a day.
Cover it with an adhesive bandage. Continue to apply the antibiotic ointment until no signs of infection remain.
Sometimes your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic pill. Open any small pimpleAny visible pus pocket needs to be opened and drained. If it’s a small pimple, you can do it using a needle sterilized with rubbing alcohol or a flame. Make an opening where the pus pocket joins with the nail. If the pus doesn't run out, gently squeeze the pus pocket.
If the pus pocket is large or spreading, have your healthcare provider drain it. Yeast (Candida) infectionsFor yeast infections apply Lotrimin cream or ointment (no prescription needed) 3 times daily. Also, keep the area dry. Do not cover it with a bandage. PreventionDiscourage any picking or chewing of hangnails (loose pieces of cuticle). Instead, cut these off with nail clippers.When should I call my child's healthcare provider?Call IMMEDIATELY if:. Your child gets a fever.
A red streak spreads beyond the cuticle.Call during office hours if:. The infection has not improved after 48 hours on home treatment. The infection is not totally cleared up by 7 days. You have other concerns or questions.Written by Barton D. Schmitt, MD, author of “My Child Is Sick,” American Academy of Pediatrics Books.Published by RelayHealth.Copyright ©2014 McKesson Corporation and/or one of its subsidiaries.
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What Is Paronychia?
Paronychia (pahr-uh-NIK-ee-uh) is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. The infected area can become swollen, red, and painful, and a pus-filled blister (abscess) may form.
Most of the time, paronychia is not serious and can be treated at home. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the rest of the finger or toe and lead to a deeper infection that may need a doctor's help.
Kids usually don't get paronychia in a toe (unless they have an ingrown toenail). But fingernail paronychia is one of the most common hand infections.
What Causes Paronychia?
Paronychia usually happens when the skin around the nail is irritated or injured. When skin gets damaged like this, germs can get in and cause an infection. These germs can be:
Things that can injure the skin around a nail include:
Kids with diabetes also have a higher chance of getting paronychia infections.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Paronychia?
If your child has paronychia, it's usually easy to recognize. Look for:
Bacterial paronychia:
Fungal paronychia:
Chronic paronychia can cause changes in the affected nail. It might turn a different color or look as though it is detached or abnormally shaped.
In rare cases, if the paronychia is especially severe and goes untreated, the infection can spread beyond the area of the nail.
How Is Paronychia Diagnosed?
Usually, a doctor or nurse practitioner can diagnose paronychia by looking at the infected area. In some cases, they may take a pus sample to be checked in a laboratory to see what type of bacteria or fungus caused the infection.
How Is Paronychia Treated?
Treating paronychia depends on how severe the infection is and whether it has started to spread. Often, soaking the infected nail in warm water for 20 minutes a few times a day will help it heal on its own in a few days.
If there's an abscess, a doctor might need to drain it. In rare cases, part of the nail may have to be removed. The doctor also might prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Usually, after an abscess is drained, the affected finger or toe heals quickly with no long-term problems.
For fungal paronychia, the doctor may prescribe antifungal creams, lotions, or oral (taken by mouth) medicines.
Can Paronychia Be Prevented?
Have kids follow these tips to lower their risk of paronychia:
As much as possible, have kids try to avoid injuring their nails and the skin around them. Nails grow very slowly, so any damage to them can last a long time and increase the risk of paronychia.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call your doctor if:
Date reviewed: August 2019
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