Nail Infections

Also known as paronychia, this is the formation of an inflammation of the skin around the nails. So far, studies have found that the situation usually develops in both adults and children.

More diagnosis reveals that it is often the result of bacterial or fungal growth on the nail and the skin area surrounding the nail, which gives rise to the symptoms.

Studies show that bacterial infections often result from minor injuries. These would cause-

• Swelling
• Pain
• Itching
• Redness
• Pus formation

Fungal infection known as onychomycosis leads to the discoloration of the nails to a pale color.

It also leads to thickening of the nails and separation of the nails from the nail bed.

Treatments are there, but it depends on the exact cause, how severe the issue is. There are also homely remedies and preventive tips available that we shall mention in this article that you can follow.

Types Of Nail Infections

Well, as we just told you above, there are two types of nail infections.

➯ Bacterial Nail Infections

Also known as paronychia, these infections often occur after the nail and the surrounding skin are injured or cut.

Some of the likely reasons why bacterial infections on your nails may occur are-

• Nail biting too much.
• Severe manicure treatments
• Prolonged exposure of nails to water

➯ Fungal Nail Infections

Onychomycosis, as the name suggests, is a fungal nail infection typically caused by dermatophytes.

It can lead to

• Nails are more pale in color.
• Thickening of the nails around the edges
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed or the underlying skin

➯ Other Nail Infections

• Now, not many of you may know that apart from bacterial and fungal infections, there is another reason why you may have nail infections.
• Studies have shown that different forms of skin conditions, like psoriasis, can trigger the issue to trigger.
• In other cases, ingrown toenails are likely to cause the issue, but rarely.

Causes

➯ Bacterial Nail Infections

• Bacterial nail infections often occur after a trauma or an incident involving the nail.
• Usually, it happens when the nail and the skin are slightly separated after a blow or injury that allows the bacteria to enter.

➯ Fungal Nail Infections

In general, it has been found that fungal nail infections are more common in people with certain health issues.

More studies reveal the names of the following disorders-

• Diabetes
• People with a weaker immune system
• Lack of blood flow
• Wearing too many tight fitted shoes
• Nails are being exposed to damp environments for a long time.

Symptoms Of Nail Infections

In case you have a nail infection, here are a few types of common symptoms that you may notice-

• Pain around the nail
• Tenderness on the nail, which is likely to break off easily.
• Redness and swelling of the skin area underneath and around the nail area.
• Release of pus fluid or a discharge, which is often the sign of a bacterial nail infection that cause pus to develop.
• Discoloration of the nail, with the nail getting pale in color
• Separation of the nail from the nail bed; this symptom is likely to occur more in fungal infections.

Treatment

• Use of antibiotic medicines if it is a case of bacterial infection affecting the nail.
• Use of an antifungal medicine in case of a fungal infection
• Draining of pus from the abscess
• Surgical removal of the nail to avoid letting the infection grow and spread.
• Use of suitable ointments and gels to cure the infection
• Use of creams to get rid of swelling, inflammation that causes pain, and find relief.

Care At Home

In case you have nail infections, there are a few simple tips that you need to keep in mind. These are-

• Soak the affected nail in lukewarm water.
• This will help in killing the bacteria.
• Keeping nails clean and trimming them often.
• Avoid heavy manicure treatments as they can lead to nail infections, often.

Preventive Tips For Nail Infections

Here are a few simple ways that you can avoid having nail infections.

• Keeping nails dry
• Avoid cutting nails too deeply.
• Avoid nail biting and only use medicated nail cutters to trim nails.
• Avoiding a damp environment that affects nails.
• In case you have to work in a damp environment, you can always wear gloves to protect your nails.
• Choosing the right type of footwear is also important to prevent nail infections in the feet.
• For this, it is vital to avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes that cause nail trauma and May likely cause pain along the edges.
• Avoid barefoot walking outside on roads, and even in public toilets.
• Studies have found it to be one of the reasons for having fungal nail infections.