Nail infections

What are Infectious nail diseases?

Nail infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or yeast, leading to discoloration, pain, swelling, and changes in nail texture. They are more common in people with weakened immunity, diabetes, excessive moisture exposure, or nail trauma.

What are the types of Nail Infections?

1. Paronychia – paronychia refers to infection of the tissue folds around the nails. Fingernails are more commonly involved than the toe nails.

Acute paronychia  -it a bacterial infection, presenting with sudden onset swelling, redness, pain and may be accompanied by pus formation..

Warm salt water soaks will be helpful to reduce pain and swelling. Consult, as antibiotics and drainage of pus may be required.

Chronic Paronychia – bacterial / fungal – this develops slowly over a period of weeks to months with symptoms of swelling and redness of the nail folds . They are often accompanied by nail deformities. 

2. Onychomycosis – It is a fungal nail infection.

• • Closed, moist environment – excessive sweating or those who wear tight shoes for long.
  • Repeated nail trauma, 
  • genetic predisposition, 
  • comorbidities like diabetes, 
  • Poor peripheral circulation are all common predisposers. 

It presents with nail discoloration ( yellow, white or brown), thickening, brittleness, and possible detachment from the nail bed.

What is the Treatment of Fungal Nail infection?

Prevention involves keeping nails clean and dry, trimming them properly, avoiding shared nail tools, wearing breathable footwear, and using antifungal powders or sprays.

Treatment includes

topical antifungal lacquers, oral antifungals (pulse therapy), laser therapy or in severe cases, surgical or chemical nail removal.

Nail infections are common but treatable. Early intervention prevents complications like permanent nail damage or spreading to other nails.