Infection Of Nail

Treatment For Nail Infections

In scientific terms, fingernail infections are generally known as paronychia. Paronychia is a hand infection which is quite common in the United States. It is also common among children as they have the habit of nail-biting and finger-sucking. In paronychia, the infection develops in the skin that hangs over the side of the nail. Treatment for this nail infection can be done at home if it is in the initial stages, or through oral medication or applying creams or ointments in its advanced stages.

Home treatment: Take a mixture of 50 percent liquid antibacterial soap and percent warm water. Soak the affected area 3-4 times daily for 15 minutes. This helps to reduce the redness around the affected area.

Medical treatment: Pus formation can be removed by Incision and drainage method. The entire finger is numbed by administering medicines like lidocaine, and the pus is drained out using a surgical knife. At times, partial or complete fingernail is removed when the infection has spread under the fingernail. To test the bacterial infection, the doctor may or may not adopt the culture method. After the paronychia is detected, your doctor will usually recommend warm soaks. Antibiotics are recommended when the infection has spread on the fingers than just around the nail bed. You should go for a regular check-up in 24-48 hours to ensure that your infection is healing up properly.

Common medicines to get rid of nail infections are: * Antifungal pills help to get rid of nail infection. Medicines like erbinafine (Lamisil), fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox). You should take necessary precautions to save yourself from any side-effects.

* Antifungal topical medication such as lotions, gels, creams and lacquers can be used on the infected area and regions around it. This treatment is used when the infection is mild or moderate. This helps in preventing recurrence of the infection. Ciclopirox (Penlac) and terbinafine (Lamisil) are few of the topical medications. The result of topical medication is less effective than oral pills, and takes more time to heal up the infected area.

* A urea ointment is applied on the nail to soften and dissolve which helps in easy removal of the infected nail so that the skin underneath can be treated properly.

Below are the precautions you must take to prevent the infection from recurring:

* Your hands and feet should be dry. Use a powder to keep yourself dry, and to be away from any infection.

* Change your socks on a regular basis. You should always wear cotton socks. * Wear shoes that allow air to circulate, making sure the inside of the shoe is dry. Your nails should not be too long as it may lead to injury, and cause an infection. * Wash you hands and feet properly to avoid any fungal development and apply topical anti fungal medication. Use topical medication till one year after the surgery as well. * Never use and share nail files, socks, shoes, and other such personal items. * Don't cut your nails too short. Go for a salon that uses sterile equipments for manicure or artificial nails. * Avoid smoking. * You should wear shower shoes or sandals in a public pool or shower.

Infection Of Nail