Paronychia |
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DESCRIPTION
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A paronychia (PAIR-uh-NIK-ee-uh) is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. With treatment, the disease will be gone in 2 weeks to 6 months. However, these infections sometimes return.
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CAUSES
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The infection can be caused by either bacteria or a fungus. A bacterial paronychia may follow an injury, such as a torn hangnail. A fungal paronychia results from growth of fungus or yeast.
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SYMPTOMS
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Signs of a bacterial paronychia include pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, warmth, and itching of the skin around the nail. Some of the skin may be pus-filled. A fungal paronychia is also accompanied by swelling and redness around the fingernail, but does not produce warmth, pain, pus, or itching.
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CARE
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If there is pus around the nail, you may need an antibiotic to treat the infection. If the infection is severe, your doctor may need to make a cut in the area to let it drain.
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