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What's Causing That Painful Swelling Around Your Nail?
Published: Sep 23, 2023
Paronychia is a common but painful infection around your nail. It can make simple tasks like typing or tying shoelaces a real challenge.
What Exactly is Paronychia?
Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin around your nail, usually caused by bacteria. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). The affected area becomes red, swollen, and tender. In some cases, pus may collect under the skin, forming an abscess.
What Causes It?
Paronychia often occurs after minor injuries to the nail area, like aggressive manicuring or nail biting. Certain jobs that involve frequent hand-washing or exposure to chemicals can increase your risk. Some medications, including certain cancer and HIV treatments, can also cause paronychia as a side effect.
How is it Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity. Mild cases may improve with warm water soaks and antibiotic ointment. More severe cases, especially those with abscesses, may require draining by a doctor. In chronic cases, avoiding irritants and using topical steroids can help. Rarely, surgery might be needed for stubborn cases.
Preventing Paronychia
Prevention is key. Avoid trauma to your nails, like aggressive nail trimming or biting. If your job involves wet work, wear waterproof gloves. Keep your hands clean and dry, and moisturize regularly to prevent skin cracks that can let in bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's not typically spread from person to person.
It's best to let a healthcare professional drain it safely.
Acute cases can resolve in a few days to weeks with proper treatment.
Rarely, it can spread to deeper tissues if left untreated.
No, it can also occur in toenails, often with ingrown nails.
Take Care of Those Nails
While paronychia can be painful, with proper care and treatment, most cases resolve without complications.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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