Nail Infection
Do your nails look white or yellowish? Do they show some thickening or peeling? You may be suffering from a nail infection, also known as Paronychia.
Paronychia is a fungal nail infection or bacterial infection that can start in the skin that surrounds the nail. It is usually superficial, and its diagnose is based on the particular appearance of the infected skin and nail. However, many physicians prescribe pus aspiration and growth to determine what kind of microorganism started the infection.
Although nail infection treatment is neither costly nor difficult, it is essential to know whether you are suffering from nail bacterial infection or from nail fungus infection.
In the case of nail bacteria, soaking the nails in hot water two or three times a day may reduce inflammation. Nail infection treatment may include some antibiotics. They may be prescribed along with draining the skin fluids to relieve pain in severe cases. Although this infection treatment is rather common, especially in toenail infection, it must be only performed by a physician.
Nail Infection Cure and Treatment
In general terms, a nail infection is superficial and responds to a nail infection cure or treatment, although some nail fungus infections may be persistent and take some more time to heal. Complications are rare, but include:
- Abscess formation
- Local spread of the nail infection, including bones and tendons.
- Spread of the infection into the blood other parts of the body.
- Temperature
- Shivering
- Red lines along the patient’s skin
- Muscular pain
Nail Infection Prevention
The most important and practical tip to prevent nail infection is the thorough care of nails and the skin around them:
- Avoid any injury on your nails or fingertips
- Don’t bite your nails or pick the skin around them
- Keep them dry and air them regularly, especially to prevent toenail infection
- Avoid detergents and other chemicals by using rubber or plastic gloves. Coat them with cotton.
- Minimise the risk of damage by keeping them short and clean. Devote some time to nail care at least once a week for your fingernails, or once a month for your toenails.
- Take care of your nails after having a bath or shower, they will be easier to cut.
- Avoid cutting or removing your cuticles – you may harm the skin around the nail, which may facilitate both nail bacterial infection and nail fungus infection.
- Keep a balanced diet - Vitamins are necessary for the correct performance of every body part. For example, they are necessary in the process of blood formation, but they are also responsible for the growth of nails, hair, skin and to prevent most diseases. Vitamin B2 or Riboflavine is necessary for a good body growth and helps keep skin, nails, hair and tissues healthy, and preserve and improve sight. It is found in green vegetables, liver, oat, milk, cheese, eggs, fish meat, and legume.
- Consult your physician as soon as you observe any changes in the colour or texture of your nails. Remember that nail infections are easily treated if they are diagnosed at early stages.