| Fingernail infection (paronychia) | 767.000000000000 | Fingernail infection (paronychia) | Fingernail infection (paronychia) | F | English | Dermatology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Fingers;Toes | Nails | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2019-05-10T04:00:00Z | | Elly Berger, BA, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, MHPE; Shawna Silver, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, PEng | | | | 8.00000000000000 | 62.7000000000000 | 497.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>An overview of fingernail infections including possible causes, treatment and when to see a doctor.</p> | <h2>What is a fingernail infection? </h2><p>Fingernail infections occur on or near the edge of the nail. Most of the time, fingernail infections are not serious but they can be painful. This type of infection can also form on the toenails.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Nail infections can occur on the hands and the feet.</li>
<li>Nail biting and finger sucking can cause breaks in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter. </li>
<li>Symptoms include swelling, redness and tenderness of the area where the nail meets the tissue of the finger. </li>
<li>Clean the infected nail three times a day with warm water and an antibacterial soap.</li>
<li>If the infection has not gone away after four or five days, seek medical attention.</li>
</ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of a fingernail infection</h2>
<p>Signs and symptoms may include: </p>
<ul>
<li>Swelling where the finger meets the nail </li>
<li>Redness and mild tenderness surrounding the infected area </li>
<li>A blister filled with pus or pus draining from the swollen area </li>
</ul> | <h2>Causes of a fingernail infection</h2>
<p>Fingernail infections are caused by bacteria entering the skin around the nail. Nail biting, ingrown nails and finger sucking can cause skin breakdown, allowing bacteria to enter. Pushing the cuticle down or trimming the cuticle (which is usually done as part of a manicure) can also lead to infection. </p> | | | <h2>Treatment of a fingernail infection</h2>
<h3>Antiseptic soaks </h3>
<p>Soak the affected area in warm water with an antibacterial soap. Do this three times a day for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. If the infection has not cleared after four or five days, make an appointment to see your child's doctor. </p>
<h3>Draining </h3>
<p>In most cases, pus will drain on its own after soaking the infection. You may need to apply a bit of pressure by gently rubbing or squeezing the area with a damp cloth or cotton swab. If this does not work, then see your doctor. You doctor may take a small needle to open up the affected area and drain the pus.</p>
<h3>Antibiotics </h3>
<p>You can try applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin to the infected area two to three times per day. The best time to apply this ointment is after the area has been soaked in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. If the infection persists, your child's doctor may prescribe a stronger antibiotic ointment to fight the infection. Apply the ointment as directed until the infection disappears. If the infection appears to be spreading beyond the nail, your child's doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic. </p>
<h3>Prevention </h3>
<p>Encourage your child to not bite, pick or chew their fingernails. Use nail clippers instead. Avoid pushing cuticles down and do not trim the cuticle. </p> | | | | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2><p>Make an appointment with your child's doctor if: </p><ul><li>your child develops a
<a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a></li><li>the infection has not cleared after four or five days</li><li>the area of redness or swelling is getting bigger</li><li>the area is hot and painful</li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/fingernail_infection.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/fingernail_infection.jpg | | | | | | | Fingernail infection (paronychia) | | False | | | | | |
