Nail Bed Infection (Paronychia)Nail bed infection is also known as paronychia. It is a fungal or bacterial infection which occurs where the nail and skin meet on a nail.. It take place along the U shaped line at the base of the nail on the area which is covered by skin. This infection can either start all of a sudden, or gradually. If the paronychial infection develops suddenly because of basterial yeast infection. On the other hand, if it continues for months, then the main cause is fungus. It can develop from a mild infection leading to pus formation as well. The gap between the pain that is covered and the skin that covers it leads to the bacterial growth. Bacteria and other pathogens like yeast and virus can grow in these crevices between nails and the nail bed. Micro-organisms grow faster in nail crevices especially when a person's hands are frequently wet.
There are two types of paronychia: Acute and Chronic.Acute paronychia occurs mainly due to bacteria. You can get rid of this infection with the help of oral antibiotics, or even by topical creams. In chronic paronychia, on the other hand, yeast is the main cause of infection. This can be treated by applying an anti-fungal cream or paint. Causes of nail bed infection: * Accumulation of moisture on the nail bed. * Getting a manicure in unhygienic conditions. * Injury to cuticle of the nail. *Diseases like diabetes, psoriasis, herpes, etc. * Steroidal therapy and chemotherapy. * Excessive use of soaps or detergents makes skin dry and more prone to split. Remember, if you are in the habit of biting your nails, you are more prone to get a nail bed infection becausenai-biting damages cuticles. Also, if you put your finger in a mouth that has cold sores, the chances of getting paronychia are high. Symptoms of nail bed infection: * Swelling and redness in the nail bed area. * Pain and sensitivity to touch. * Formation of abcess at the bed of the nail, discharge of pus if it opens. * Fever may occur if complications develop, or the abcess spreads. Precautions you should take: * If you have any hanging nails, remove them. * Keep your fingers and toes nails dry, neat and tidy. * Diabetic patients should control their sugar level. * To avoid any infection or wound later, cut an in-grown nail from edges in a semi-lunar shape. Nail Bed infection can be diagnosed using the following methods: * Blood test with auto immune antibodies and cultural discharge * X-ray and biopsy * Routine physical examination There are some homeopathic treatments of nail bed infections that have been used for milder cases of nail bed infections, ot paronychia. Among the many homeopathic medicines that are available to cure these infections, some are Anti crud, Causticum, Graphites, Myristica, Sulphur, Sabadilla, Belladona, etc. Once you are diagnosed and want to seek homeopathic treatment for the problem, consult a homeopath who will then prescribe you the medication and dosage. |