Fingernail infection is called as Paronychia in medical terms. It is the infection found on the edges of the fingernail and toenail. It is necessary to get it treated on time failing which there is chance for spreading to severe infection affecting the entire finger. This is the most popular type of hand infection affecting men and women equally.
For some people both the fingernails and toenails are affected.
Causes :
The main cause of fingernail infection is due to bacteria. It enters into the skin that surrounds the nail when the nail is damaged due to biting or dishwashing or due to any other injury. Fungus can also enter the nail causing paronychia and often this infection recurs in the same person.
Nail infection are predominantly caused by fungi belonging to the group dermatophytes. (Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale commonly causes nail infection).
These microscopic organisms or pathogens enters the skin when there is a cut or scrapes on your fingers and thrive on the region of the nail-bed. They cannot tolerate sunlight and loves moisture.
Not washing the hands properly and injuring the hands during physical work are the main causes for fingernail infection.
Symptoms :
There will be redness along with swelling around the nail. Pain may or may not be there. The finger becomes sore to touch due to inflammation. Sometimes there can be pus collection inside the nails forming an abscess. The intensity of pain varies on the nature of fungal infection and the damage caused to the nails.
Nails become thick and brittle and sometimes they become ragged and distorted due to fungal infection. In rare cases, the nail separates from the nail-bed protruding from the skin resulting in pain and pus formation. There can be itchiness on the area of infection.