Fingernail infection

A Common Problem

Nail infection presents a conditionmost of us are likely to experience at some points of our lives. Onceit is noticed, it is to be treated as soon as possible. If leftneglected, fingernail infection may lead to finger deformation oreven a need for amputation. The frequency of this condition isrelated to our frequent negligence of this part of our body duringour personal hygiene. Even though we bathe and wash our bodyregularly, we rarely take care of our fingernails, making them proneto getting dirty and thereby infected. For all the reasons mentionedabove, it is crucial to know how to prevent fingernail infections aswell as how to treat them if they appear.

Manifestations of Fingernail Infections

One of the most common cases offingernail infection involves swelling, redness, and pus creation.Here, a wound is created somewhere below or next to the fingernail.This wound is being exposed to bacteria and other microorganisms,causing the infection and the production of pus visible behind thenail. Pain and tenderness to the touch are present as well.

Sometimes, redness and tenderness mayappear without the swelling. The two symptoms may be accompanied bynumerous small wounds around the infected area forming small blisterspossibly ejecting a cloudy fluid. Most often, this case is followedby a fever and swelling of one's lymph nodes.

Alternatively, swelling and pain may bepresent, gradually increasing as the infection advances. If you aresuffering from this type, you will not be able to touch anything withthe troublesome finger, without causing you pain and discomfort. Pusmay appear behind the fingernail, and get expelled eventually.

A more serious case involves swellingof the area between the fingers. Here, you may not be able to moveyour fingers without experiencing pain. Additionally, a smallpus-filled spot may get formed under your skin.

Finally, fingers may get deformed orbent during the course of these infections. Also, the redness mayappear on both nail and skin sides of a finger, possibly spreading.Therefore, timely action is the best prevention.

Possible Treatment

Taking into consideration thatprevention is the best cure, taking good care of your fingernails isthe best thing to do. So, clip and file them regularly, making sureyou do not bite them or injure them in any way. Clean your nails withan antibacterial soap, using a brush of sorts. Finally, if you havean infected finger, do not use the same nail clipper for both it andthe rest of your nails since you may spread the infection makingthings worse.