ACUTE PARONYCHIA



Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.

Acute Paronychia for Hamilton, Grimsby and Stoney Creek

General Information:

Acute Paronychia

  • Is an infection of the skin around a nail with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Is often associated with damage the nail cuticle.
  • Damage to the cuticle may occur if the cuticles are trimmed, pushed back, if the hands are in water repeatedly or if artificial nails are worn.
  • Bacteria enters the opening between the skin and the nail and produces an infection.
  • The skin is often red, swollen and tender around the nail.
  • Often, there is pus coming out around the nail.
  • May be caused by excessive exposure of the fingers to water and by pushing back the cuticles. It may also be caused by wearing artificial nails

Treatment:

  • Avoid contact with water.
  • Wear gloves whenever your hands are in water if you are doing wet work (laundry, cutting up foods, etc.)
  • Do not push back or trim your cuticles.
  • An antibiotic cream can be applied to the skin around the nail twice daily.
  • Antibiotic pills are sometimes required to treat the infection, if is severe.