Everything Nails

I keep on getting recurrent paronychia. How can I prevent these infections?

2011-03-27T17:19:00.003-07:00

Paronychia usually starts because of trauma to the skin near the nail. So to prevent a paronychia:

- avoid traumatizing your finger nails

- avoid the habit of biting your nails

- wear rubber gloves if your hands are constantly in contact with water

- if you are a diabetic, ensure that your blood sugar levels are under control

- if you work in a dirty environment, wash hands frequently

- wear protective gloves if you frequently deal with harsh chemicals

Paronychia is an easily treated infection and the outlook is excellent

Does the nail ever have to be removed when one has a paronychia?

2011-03-27T17:19:00.001-07:00

In some severe cases of paronychia where the infection has involved the fingernail, one may require partial or complete removal of the nail. In the majority of cases, antibiotics are very rarely required once the pus is drained. It is not necessary to obtain cultures from the fluid that is drained. However, some physicians may obtain cultures if the infection is severe. After drainage, one should continue with warm soaks. Healing takes anywhere from 5-7 days and in a few weeks the finger and nail will appear normal.

How is paronychia usually treated?

2011-03-27T17:18:00.005-07:00

The treatment of a paronychia requires drainage of pus. This can be easily done in the physician’s office and takes less than 15 minutes. The entire finger is numbed and an incision is made on the side of the nail where the infection is most obvious. This will immediately relieve pain, redness, and swelling.

To ensure that all the pus is drained, some physicians may insert a small piece of gauze or wick in the incision. The wick will keep the wound open and allow pus to drain. This packing is left for about 24-48 hours. The finger should be soaked in warm water the next day and the wick replaced.

What can I do at home to treat my paronychia?

2011-03-27T17:18:00.003-07:00

When a paronychia first develops, one should start home remedies at once. Soak the finger in warm water 3-4 times a day for at least 15-30 minutes each session. Soaking will relieve pain, redness, and swelling. There is a lot of debate about adding antibiotics or anti septic to the warm water soaks. In most cases, there is no need to do add anything. A simple soap and warm water is more than adequate. Because the finger can be painful, wear a splint or dress it in a thick gauze

How does a doctor make a Diagnosis of paronychia?

2011-03-27T17:18:00.001-07:00

The diagnosis of a nail bed infection does not require any type of radiological study. Any physician with reasonable skills should be able to make a diagnosis of paronychia by looking at the nail. It is very rare to obtain any blood work or x-rays when a paronychia is suspected- unless you have a good insurance plan.

Can one drain the paronychia pus at home?

2011-03-27T17:17:00.004-07:00

The treatment of pus in a fingertip usually requires a small incision to allow the fluid to drain. Pus drainage is not something that should be attempted at home, unless you have both medical personnel and sterile equipment at home.

Does one need to see a doctor for paronychia (infection of the nail edge?

2011-03-27T17:17:00.002-07:00

Paronychia does not always have to be treated by a physician. In many cases, home remedies may help decrease redness and pain. However, there are times when the redness and infection extend to the entire digit and can be associated with severe pain. Further, the infection can extend into the deeper spaces of the fingertips. In such scenarios, a visit to a doctor or the Emergency room would not be a bad idea.

Can one have fever with a paronychia?

2011-03-27T17:17:00.000-07:00

Paronychia usually starts with redness and swelling that is localized to the lateral edge of the nail. Pain is constant and is made worse by pressing on the nail. Often, there may be a yellowish discharge from the nail edge. When the fingertip starts to swell, chances are that fluid has collected under the skin and is most likely pus (Abscess)

The most common symptoms of a paronychia are:

- Swelling

- Redness

- Pus collection

- Pain and tenderness to touch

In rare cases, one may develop a low grade fever

Why do I keep on developing Paronychia (infection on the edge of my nails?

2011-03-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

Paronychia is commonly caused by bacteria that reside on skin. When the skin around the nail edges has been broken or damaged, these bacteria can easily cause an infection. Common causes which lead to skin damage around nails is nail biting, finger sucking, frequent dishwashing with bare hands, regular encounters with harsh chemicals and detergents or improper clipping of nails. Besides bacteria, fungi can also cause paronychia.

How does one treat nail biting?

2011-02-12T19:51:00.001-08:00

For most people who bite their nails, treatment is only required if the nail biting is persistent and causes distress to the person. Additionally, if the habit is so severe that it has caused damage to the nails and recurrent infections, then it is wise to seek therapy.

The treatment of nail biting includes some type of behavior therapy that helps reverse the habit. These habit reversal treatments include relaxation, self-monitoring, reinforcement, use of bitter tasting substances on the nails and even wearing dental occlusive splints so that you cannot bite on the nail. However, in many adults who bite nails, behavior therapy alone is not affective and some type of drug therapy may be required. Many adults who practice nail biting also have emotional stress, anxiety or other behavior related problems. In such cases, these disorders also have to be addressed in order to successfully treat nail biting.

The drugs of choice are the SSRIs. These medications have a low risk of adverse reactions and they promote compliance. Overall, it appears that with therapy, 60-80 percent of people can be treated but there is a high relapse rate if stress is recurrent.

Is nail biting bad for health?

2011-02-12T19:50:00.001-08:00

Nail biting is slightly more common in females at all ages. While nail biting may be benign, it can lead to extremely short fingernails, infections of the nail, oral herpetic infection, herpetic whitlow, damaged dentition, fracture of teeth and even gum infections. Moreover, the nail and finger often look aesthetically unpleasing.

Like most things in psychiatry, no one really knows why people bite their nails repetitively. Three common reasons include bad genes, a poor environment and a difficult childhood.

Is Nail biting a common habit?

2011-02-12T19:49:00.003-08:00

Habits like nail biting are very common and often go unnoticed. However, often the repetitive nail biting can lead to severe injury to the fingers, leading to a variety of infections and deformities. Nail biting is commonly first seen in preschool age up to adolescence and is seen in as many as 50-60 percent of individuals. With time, most children grow up out of this habit. However, at least 3-8 percent of the adult population continue to bite their nails. The majority of these people who bite their nails have some degree of anxiety, obsessive compulsive personality or impulse control problem.

Nail biting 101

2011-02-12T19:49:00.001-08:00

Many people engage in behaviors that range from nail biting, thumb sucking, foot tapping to more physically harmful behaviors like teeth grinding, hair pulling or head banging. Habit disorders consist of stereotypical repetitive; seemingly driven and non-functional motor habits that often interfere with normal activities and may lead to injury to a body part. The majority of these behaviors are considered harmless and considered part of normal growth and development, but in some cases, the habit persists into adulthood and can be very distressing.

Parnochyia: Part 3

2009-06-13T02:18:00.000-07:00

Medical Treatment

The treatment of a paronychia requires drainage of pus. This can be easily done in the physician’s office and takes less than 15 minutes. The entire finger is numbed and an incision is made on the side of the nail where the infection is most obvious. This will immediately relieve pain, redness, and swelling.

To ensure that all the pus is drained, some physicians may insert a small piece of gauze or wick in the incision. The wick will keep the wound open and allow pus to drain. This packing is left for about 24-48 hours. The finger should be soaked in warm water the next day and the wick replaced.

In some severe cases of paronychia where the infection has involved the fingernail, one may require partial or complete removal of the nail. In the majority of cases, antibiotics are very rarely required once the pus is drained. It is not necessary to obtain cultures from the fluid that is drained. However, some physicians may obtain cultures if the infection is severe.

After drainage, one should continue with warm soaks. Healing takes anywhere from 5-7 days and in a few weeks the finger and nail will be normal

How to prevent paronychia?

Paronychia usually starts because of trauma to the skin near the nail. So to prevent a paronychia:

- avoid traumatizing your finger nails
- avoid the habit of biting your nails
- wear rubber gloves if your hands are constantly
in contact with water
- if you are a diabetic, ensure that your blood sugar
levels are under control
- if you work in a dirty environment, wash hands frequently
- wear protective gloves if you frequently deal with harsh
chemicals

Paronychia is an easily treated infection and the outlook is excellent.

For more on gloves, anti septics and diabetic supplies, please visit www.medexsupply.com

Paronychia: part 2

2009-06-13T02:17:00.000-07:00

Medical Care

Paronychia does not always have to be treated by a physician. In many cases, home remedies may help decrease redness and pain. However, there are times when the redness and infection extend to the entire digit and be associated with severe pain. Further, the infection can extend into the deeper spaces of the fingertips. In such scenarios, a visit to a doctor or the Emergency room would not be a bad idea.

The treatment of pus in a fingertip usually requires a small incision to allow the fluid to drain. Pus drainage is not something that should be attempted at home, unless you have both medical personnel and sterile equipment at home.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a nail bed infection does not require any type of radiological study. Any physician with reasonable skills should be able to make a diagnosis of paronychia from a physical exam. It is very rare to obtain any blood work or x rays when a paronychia is suspected.

Self-Care at Home

When a paronychia first develops, one should start home remedies at once. Soak the finger in warm water 3-4 times a day. Soak the hand for at least 15-30 minutes each session. Soaking will relieve pain, redness, and swelling. There is a lot of debate about adding antibiotics or anti septic to the warm water soaks. In most cases, there is no need to do add anything. A simple soap and warm water is more than adequate.

What is paronychia (nail infection)?

2009-06-13T02:10:00.000-07:00

Some individuals develop an infection along the edge of the fingernail or toe nail-this is known as paronychia. It is a very common hand infection and frequently seen in individuals who bite their nails. When left untreated, paronychia can progress and involve the entire finger or toe. It is also quite painful.

Paronychia Causes

Paronychia is commonly caused by bacteria that reside on skin. When the skin around the nail edges has been broken or damaged, these bacteria can easily cause an infection. Common causes which lead to skin damage around nails is nail biting, finger sucking, frequent dishwashing with bare hands, regular encounters with harsh chemicals and detergents or improper clipping of nails. Besides bacteria, fungi can also cause paronychia.

Symptoms

Paronychia usually starts with redness and swelling that is localized to the lateral side of nail. Pain is constant and is made worse by pressing on the nail. Often, there may be a yellowish discharge from the nail edge. When the fingertip starts to swell, chances are that fluid has collected under the skin and is most likely pus (abscess)

The most common symptoms of a paronychia are:

- Swelling
- Redness
- Pus collection
- Pain
- Tenderness to touch

Healthy Nails: Part 2

2009-06-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

If you are constantly using your hands to wash dishes or are in an occupation dealing with water, wear gloves. In addition, addition of detergents and other chemicals to water can ruin your nails. So make it a habit of wearing gloves.

Maintain your nails just like you take time to get our hair done well. Take some time to trim, polish and maintain your nails. Use sharp scissors and trim the edges. Do not pull on hangnails. Clip the hangnails off and do leave a slight angle outwards. Make sure the nail edges are smooth and even.

Always moisturize your hands and nails. Failure to moisturize nails is the number one reason why people have crappy looking nails. Nails need hydration like skin. Any skin moisturizer will do and rub it on the nails. You do not have to buy the fanciest or the best smelling moisturizer; baby oil is as good as anything out on the market. Each time you remove nail polish, apply a moisturizer.

Use non-acetone based products to remove your nail polish. Acetone based nail polish removers can dry your nails and make them crack.

These simple home measures can nake your nails look nice and attractive. Moreover, when you apply nail polish, you will look a lot sexier.

How can I keep my nails looking healthy?

2009-06-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

While nails are only a small part of the human body, they can make an individual look either nice or unattractive. In many cases, good-looking nails can make a person feel confident. Nice looking nails that are polished can be attractive and even sexy.

There is not a single product out on the cosmetic market that can make your nails look great. In fact, the majority of cosmetic products contain so many chemicals that they can harm your nails. To make your nails look great, you can apply the following ideas.

Firstly, take care of your nails just like you take care of your face. Be gentle with your hands and do not traumatize the nails. If you have a job that requires lifting or excessive handwork, wear gloves or mittens. Avoid using your nails to prod, poke, or pry things.

Avoid biting on your nails and do not pick at the cuticles. While nail biting is just a bad social habit, it can sometimes also damage the nail bed. People who constantly bite their nails have real ugly short looking nails, which look all chewed up. Once the nail bed gets damaged, you can even develop an infection. After the nail bed is damaged, you have to wait a long time to see new nail growth- so biting is NONO.

Fungal infection of Nails: part 7

2009-05-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

If you have had recurrent episodes of fungal nail infections, then it is time to give up nail polishes and artificial nails. While nail polish will make your fingers look gorgeous, fungus can hide behind the polish and damage your nails permanently.

Wash your hands often and dry them. You never know what is stuck to objects. Many people have extremely bad personal habits and constantly contaminate the environment.

Home remedies are available to treat nail fungus.

Treating nail fungus is a long-term project and many people get frustrated. Rest assured there is no immediate cure to this dastardly organism. Because results are not immediate, many people have been turning to alternative treatments. The following two alternative remedies include vinegar and Vicks vapor rub

Vinegar is widely used as a home remedy to treat nail fungal infections. There are hundreds of formulas on cyberspace on how to use vinegar. In simple, just mix vinegar with water and soak the nails once or twice a week for 20 minutes. Vinegar can cause drying and irritation of skin so one must use a moisturizer afterwards. So does it work? There is no study showing that vinegar works. While some anecdotal reports claim that it does wonders, the majority of consumers find vinegar a waste of time. For individuals who do not believe doctors and love vinegar, there is no harm in trying. Vinegar soaking must be done for months. Most individuals give up after four attempts.

Another folklore remedy is Vicks vaporub. Countless reports exist which claim that this cold medication can cure fungus. This is absolutely hogwash. There is zero evidence that Vicks vaporub does anything. You can eat it, paste it, drink it or smell, it- this medicine does not kill fungus anywhere on the body. Vicks vaporub is best left to treat the common cold and not fungi.

Individuals who have a nail fungus infection have to understand that treatment is long, not satisfactory, and expensive. For those who want the best results, surgery is excellent for a severe fungal infection with a deformed nail.

fungal infection of Nails part 6

2009-05-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Prevention

To help prevent nail fungus and reduce recurrent infections, practice good hand and foot hygiene by following these steps:

Short nails. Keep your nails short, clean, and dry. When you trim your nails, avoid trauma to skin and cut straight across.

Keep your hands and feet dry at all times.

Apply a moisturizer to your hands and feet at least twice a day.

If you sweat a lot, wear socks made from cotton. Avoid nylon fabrics. Wear socks made from fabrics that will absorb the moisture. If you sweat a lot, change your socks and shoes often. Alternatively, wear sandals.

There are many over the counter anti fungal sprays and powders that you can apply or sprinkle on your feet. One can even sprinkle the shoe with anti fungal powder.

If you work in an environment, where there is constant contact with water, wear rubber gloves.

Avoid nail biting, picking at your nails or skin around it. Fungus can easily penetrate damaged skin

If you go to public pools or shower, wear sandals

There are hundred of salons and spas that offer manicures and pedicures. While some are decent, there are many establishments that are poorly maintained and technicians have no concept of hygiene. Further, many of these spas use the same instruments on all customers. So select a decent spa or salon to go. If you have doubts about instruments at the spa, take your own.

Fungal infection of Nails part 5

2009-05-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Other treatment options

Many people do not like to take pills for long periods. In such cases, there are a few options (they do not work) but one can give it a try.

Antifungal lacquer. Individuals who have only a mild nail infection may want to try penlac (ciclopirox). This antifungal lacquer has been hyped up to cure fungus. The ointment is painted on the nail once a day. After seven days, you wipe the collected layers of the lacquer with alcohol and start again. This must be done for 12 months. The truth is that this bullshit method works in less than 2% of individuals. The treatment is costly, time consuming and it usually does not work. Flush the penlac down the toilet.

Topical medications are often prescribed by physicians. If your physician gives you a prescription of a topical antibiotic, then you need to change your doctor. Topical medications alone are worthless and only clueless doctors give out such prescriptions. You can apply all the topical antibiotics in the pharmacopeia, the fungus will remain till eternity. Topical medications alone do not work-so do not buy them.

Surgery

The best and most effective treatment for fungus nail infection is surgery.
If your nail infection is severe or extremely painful, removing the nail is fast, cheap and works. Many consumers may wonder about this treatment, but it saves you time, money, and agony. A new nail will usually grow in its place; the nail may take about 8-12 months to grow back and will just like your old nail. Toenail removal can be done in an office and is a relatively painless procedure if your doctor knows how to inject local anesthetic. In fifteen minutes, you will be free of the infection. There is no need for any more medications afterwards.

fungal infection of nail part 4

2009-05-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

What happens if the nail infection is untreated?

Initially one may not feel any pain, but with time, pain is common. Fungus infection almost always damages the nail. If the infection is not treated, it continues to progress. Individuals who have a weak immune system or those who have diabetes usually develop serious infections.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of fungal infections requires testing for fungus. The doctor will take some scrapping from the nail. The debris is examined underneath the microscope and fungi can be identified.

Once the fungus is identified, treatment is started. The treatment of fungal nail infection should not be underestimated. It requires long-term use of drugs, commitment, and perseverance. There are hundreds of over the counter products sold for nail fungus. All of them are completely rubbish and not worth a dime.

There is no over the counter herb, mineral, nutrient, or lotion which works for nail fungal infection- so stop wasting your money.

The best treatment for fungal infection of nails is oral medications. In the last decade several oral anti fungal medication have been developed. These medications can be obtained from any pharmacy.

The three medications widely used to treat nail fungal infection are:

- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Fluconazole (Diflucan)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil)

These three medications come in various formulations and the pill is usually taken for 3-6 months. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the fungus will be killed. Less than 40% of individuals see a satisfactory result with these pills. Yet these results are infinitely better than any herb or junk that you can buy online. Once the fungi are killed, a new nail grows slowly but recurrent infections are possible. Anti fungal pills also have side effects and one must be followed up by a physician.

fungus infection of the nail part 2

2009-05-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Which nails are infected with fungi?

Overall toenail are more often infected than fingernails. The reason is that toenails are often exposed to sweaty tight shoes, dirty floors, and warm moist areas like swimming pool floors.

Another reason why toes nails are more frequently infected with fungi may be due to decreased blood circulation. When blood supply is decreased, the body may be unable to fight off infections.

Nail fungus infection is more common in adults compared to children. The reasons for this include:

- Decreased blood circulation
- More years of exposure
- With age nails grow slowly, become thick,
and become more susceptible to infection
- Nail infections also is more common in men then women
- There may be a family history of fungal infections

What are risk factors for fungus infection?

- Individuals who sweat profusely and continuously
- Working in hot humid environments
- Wear tight fitting shoes
- Wearing nylon socks that do not absorb moisture well
- Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as
swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
- Having a minor injury, scarp or cut and working in
warm most environment
- Having diabetes, poor blood circulation or a very
weak immune system

Fungus infection of Nails part 2

2009-05-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Symptoms of fungal nail infection include:

- Thick and uneven nails
- Dull looking nails
- Crumbling or ragged nails
- Uneven shape
- Discolored nails, usually white or yellow patches
- No polish to nails

Sometimes the fungal infection may spread to the nail bed and result in separation of the nail, a condition known as oncholysis. The nail slowly become loose and starts to break apart. In the beginning, there is no pain, but when the infection is not treated, most individual complain of a continuous dual ache. When the infection is full blown, one may also notice a foul odor.

How does one acquire fungal nail infection?

Fungi and many other microorganisms live in warm moist environments, including swimming pools, exercise rooms, gym, sauna, and shower floors. These fungi normally contact feet all the time but are not able to penetrate skin. However, if an individual has any crack or break in skin, the fungus quickly penetrates skin and infects the nail bed. A single exposure of fungus is not adequate to cause an infection. Most people need continual exposure of fungus to develop an infection. Further, the exposure must be in an environment that is conducive to fungal survival. Fungi usually love to grow in warm moist environments.

Fungus infection of Nails

2009-05-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Infection of nails by fungus is very common. Fungi usually infect one nail but multiple nail involvement can occur. Infection of the nail by fungus is medically known as onchymycosis. Fungus which infect nails belong to the group called dermatophytes. However, other yeast and molds can also be responsible for fungal infection of nails.

When the fungus infects nail(s), it usually starts as a small whitish or yellow tinge under the tip of finger or toenail. With time, the nail become hard, thickens, and starts to crumble along the edges. Pain is a delayed complaint but most people are embarrassed about the poor cosmesis caused by the infection. In most cases, fungal infection makes the nail looks like crap.

Fungus infections typically are more common in individuals who have their hands and feet continually exposed to moist environments like water, shower rooms, swimming pool floors and hot humid shoes.

One has to be aware that the nail fungus is quite different from fungus that causes athlete’s foot. The latter generally only infects skin of the foot but sometimes may also infect the nail. Fungal nail infections are very difficult to treat and even when treatment is successful, recurrence are common. Unlike the past, today, we do have some decent medications that can help cure nail fungus infections. On cyberspace, there are hundreds of treatments for fungal nail infections—this should immediately tell the consumer that there is no ideal treatment for the infection and most treatments fall into the category of scams.