Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the fingernails or toenails. This infection is generally caused by bacteria, but can also occur due to fungi.
Paronychia can appear suddenly and last in the short term (acute) or gradually and last in the long term (chronic). Acute paronychia usually occurs in the fingernails, while chronic paronychia can occur in the fingernails or toenails.
Causes of Paronychia
Acute paronychia is usually caused by bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Staphylococcus enterococcus which enter the damaged nail skin, for example due to nail biting habits, causing infection in the nail folds.
Meanwhile, chronic paronychia is more often caused by fungal infections Candida, although it can also be caused by bacteria.
Paronychia can basically attack anyone. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing paronychia, namely:
- Having a job where your hands or feet are constantly exposed to water, such as a fisherman, milkmaid, or dishwasher
- Have open sores around your fingernails or toenails
- Having moist nail conditions due to wearing artificial nails
- Experiencing ingrown
- Suffering from diabetes or impaired immune system
Symptoms of Paronychia
Symptoms of acute or chronic paronychia are generally the same. The following are symptoms or complaints that can arise due to paronychia:
- Pain when the nail or the skin around the infected nail is touched
- Swelling of the skin around the infected nail
- Redness and warmth of the skin around the infected nail
In some cases, paronychia symptoms in the form of abscesses (collections of pus) may appear on the skin under the infected nail. Paronychia that has caused an abscess needs immediate medical attention, especially if it is accompanied by fever.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if you are at high risk for paronychia. The sooner it is handled, the complaints and discomfort you feel will subside more quickly.
See your doctor immediately if paronychia has developed into an abscess, has a bad odor, or has a fever. Paronychia that is not treated immediately can lead to serious complications.
Paronychia diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will ask the patient's complaints and symptoms. After that, the doctor will perform an examination to see in more detail the infection that occurs in the nail area.
These steps are generally sufficient to diagnose paronychia. However, in some cases, the doctor may take a sample of pus from the infected area and then examine it in the laboratory to determine the microorganism that is causing the infection, so that the patient can be given appropriate treatment.
Paronychia Treatment
Paronychia treatment is done to relieve complaints, treat the cause, prevent recurrence in the future, and prevent complications. In mild cases, paronychia can be managed independently. However, if an abscess appears or even a fever, paronychia needs to be treated by a doctor.
The following are some methods of treatment that can be given to people with paronychia:
Drugs
To treat the cause of paronychia, drugs that can be prescribed by a doctor include:
- Oral antibiotics, such as erythromycin, for paronychia caused by bacteria
- Antibiotic cream containing fusidic acid, for paronychia caused by bacteria and the infection is not too severe
- Antifungal ointments or oral medications, such as clotrimazole and terbinafine, for chronic paronychia caused by fungal infections
Operation
If an abscess has formed and the swelling in the infected toe or hand is very large, then surgery is needed to remove the pus.
Before the surgeon performs surgery, the patient's finger will be anesthetized first. After the anesthesia is given, the doctor will make an incision in the abscess so that the pus can be removed.
In conditions where the nail is slightly ingrown (ingrown), the doctor may remove part or all of the nail.
Self care
Self-care can be used to treat mild paronychia or help the healing process of severe paronychia after receiving treatment from a doctor. Some self-care that can be done at home are:
- Clean infected hands or feet with water and antibacterial soap regularly.
- Soak the infected foot or hand in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes 3 to 5 times a day.
- Keep your feet moist and dry and don't wear shoes or socks that are too tight and narrow.
- Choose shoes that are comfortable and open at the toes.
Paronychia Complications
Paronychia that is not treated properly can lead to a number of serious complications. These complications include:
- Abscess
- Permanent changes in nail shape
- Spread of infection to tendons, bones, and bloodstream
Prevention of Paronychia
Paronychia can be prevented by taking the following steps:
- Wear waterproof rubber gloves if your job involves frequent contact with water.
- Don't wear fake nails for a long time
- Dry your hands and feet after each contact with the water.
- Avoid biting your nails or picking at the skin around your nails.
- Don't cut your nails too short. Make sure to trim your nails parallel to your fingertips.
- For people with diabetes, keep blood sugar levels and check the feet every day to be aware of paronychia or other disorders in the feet, because abnormalities in the feet are often not felt by diabetics.
- For people with immune system disorders, do regular health checks to the doctor.