An infected nail bed, or paronychia, can be very painful. Usually, bacteria or a form of yeast known as Candida are to blame for this infection. Infections can also involve both bacteria and yeast. Paronychia can develop gradually over a period of weeks or appear suddenly for a period of days, depending on the source of the infection. Paronychia is characterized by obvious signs and symptoms and is typically cured with minimal to no permanent harm to the nail or skin. If you don’t get your infection treated, it can spread and eventually cause you to lose your nail. Doral Health & Wellness provides around-the-clock access to medical professionals so that patients can see a doctor anytime they feel the need. When trouble arises with your feet or ankles, it’s time to visit a Podiatrist  in Brownsville. Podiatrists are medical professionals that focus on the care of the lower extremities, specifically the feet, and legs. Wound care and lower body surgery are their areas of expertise. If you have diabetes and are experiencing foot pain, seeing a specialist in the field may help. 

What does it feel like when you have paronychia or an infection of the nail? 

Paronychia symptoms typically appear after many hours or days. Sometimes it takes some time for them to grow up. Symptoms manifest at the cuticle, the area where the nail and skin connect. The nail’s edges are also susceptible. 

Symptoms of paronychia tend to involve: 

  • Reddened, hot-to-the-touch skin 
  • Nail pain, swelling, and tenderness 
  • Cellulitis is caused by a buildup of pus under the skin. Abscess formation can range in color from white to yellow. The formation of an abscess may necessitate the use of antibiotics and/or surgical drainage. 

Nails can develop ridges or waves in irregular growth if left untreated. It might be dry and brittle, with a yellow or greenish appearance. As the nail separates from the nail bed, it might be lost.  

What causes this? 

Damage to the nail’s surrounding skin (the paronychia) allows bacteria to infiltrate and cause infection. Microorganisms like Staphylococci and fungi like Candida albicans are just two of the many potential culprits in this infection. 

Most often, these factors lead to a skin injury surrounding the nail: The practice of nibbling or chewing fingernails, and manicures that involve extensive water exposure, such as frequent finger sucking, nail-biting, and nail picking, can lead to ingrown nails.  

Could I possibly avoid getting nail infections? 

There are a few things you can do to keep an infected nail from spreading: 

  • Nail length is an important feature, so avoid cutting them too short. The cuticle should not be trimmed any closer to the fold of the nails than necessary.  
  • Do not pick at your nails or chew on your hangnails. Your cuticles will look better if you leave them alone. 
  • If your cuticles and nail beds are dry, apply lotion to them. The skin might crack from dryness if it gets too bad. 
  • Wash your hands frequently and trim your nails to maintain them neat. Avoid harsh soaps and instead choose milder, more soothing cleansers. 
  • Waterproof gloves are an absolute necessity if your profession requires frequent or prolonged hand immersion in water or if you regularly operate with toxins. 

Doral Health & Wellness Podiatrist has years of experience in the field, so you can take their advice. There are a number of potential origins of muscle and bone fragility in the foot. You should avoid Foot Doctor in Brooklyn unless absolutely necessary. If you’ve hurt your foot or ankle, particularly if the injury is serious, you should see a Podiatrist in Brownsville right away. Contacting Doral Health & Wellness is easy, they’re located at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. To make an appointment, please visit http://www.podiatristsbrooklyn.com/ or contact us at 1-347-384-5690.