Paronychia, or panarice, is an infection that occurs on the skin around the nail, which usually begins due to a skin injury, such as a traumatic manicure, for example.
Skin is the natural barrier against microorganisms, so any injury can promote the penetration and proliferation of fungi and bacteria, for example, leading to symptoms of inflammation, such as redness, swelling and local pain.In addition to symptoms of inflammation, in paronychia, there may be pus under or near the nail.
- Paronychia can occur from a traumatic injury caused by the manicure by “taking a steak”.
- Gnawing nails or pulling the skin.
- Using medicines.
- And direct and frequent contact with chemicals.
- Such as cleaning products and detergents.
- For example.
The most characteristic symptom of paronychia is inflammation around one or more nails that manifests in heat, redness and pain, usually throbbing, in the inflamed area.In addition, there may be pus under or near the nail.
Symptoms may appear hours after the finger injury or may progress slowly, so paronychia can be classified into:
Depending on the characteristics of the paronychia, the dermatologist will be able to make the diagnosis and indicate the best treatment.
Treatment of paronychia is indicated by the dermatologist and can be done with antibiotics, corticosteroids or antifungals depending on the characteristics and cause of inflammation, in some cases it may be necessary to drain the injury to prevent new infections and prevent the healing process.Drainage is done in the doctor’s office through a small incision in the place with a scalpel.
In addition, the dermatologist may recommend applying a warm water compress to the infected site, as well as properly cleaning the site.
To avoid the appearance of paronychia, it is important to avoid biting your nails or pulling the skin, avoid cutting or pushing the cuticles and, in the case of people coming into contact with chemicals, using rubber gloves, to avoid injury.