Paronychia Nail Infection
Paronychia is one of the most common hand infections. Paronychia is an infection that develops along the edge of a finger or toe nail. If you have paronychia, it should be treated promptly to prevent infection of the entire hand or toe.
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Types
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There are three types of paronychia infections: bactuarial paronychia, candidal (yeast) parnonychia and fungal paronychia.
Causes
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All paronychia infections are caused by bacteria, fungus or yeast, entering the cuticle of the nail. This happens when the nail is exposed to trauma. Common causes are injury, frequently biting the nails, trimming the nails too short, chemical irritants and long-term water immersion.
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Symptoms
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The most obvious symptom is red swelling around the base of the nail and cuticle. In the case of bacterial paronychia the swelling is often accompanied by pus filled blisters. In all types of paronychia, the nail may also change color or shape.
Chronic Paronychia
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Chronic paronychia is a condition that develops gradually over time and is typical the result of a yeast infection. People who's hand or feet are often wet most commonly suffer from this form of paronychia. Chronic paronychia can spread to the surround fingers or toes and can case them to grow discolored and deformed.
Acute Paronychia
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Acute paronychia is a localized infection and results from the bacterial or fungal infection of a traumatic injury. Acute paronychia usually only lasts a few days and does not spread to the adjacent fingers or toes.
Treatment
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Fungal and bacterial paronychia is successfully treated with antibiotic or anti-fungal oral medications and creams. Candidal paronychia is treated by keeping the hands or toes free of moisture and by using an anti-fungal cream or lotion.
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