Fingernail Infection
What You Need to Know about Fingernail Infection
Our hands tell a lot about us but when a fingernail infection affects one of the digits on the hand, it can be an embarrassing and painful message. While they are likely not able to be prevented, these infections can be treated at the earliest symptom to avoid a prolonged problem.
The fingernails are actually remnants of our ancestors from millions of years ago. At one time, it was necessary for humans to have claws; tools for their survival in an unfriendly and harsh environment. These claws were useful when climbing trees, as well as possibly rip and tear items. Numerous other reasons for their use can be a topic of conjecture, but the fact remains that fingernails have evolved along with our environment to be now only necessary in their flattened form. Currently, of course, they are invaluable for a variety of mundane tasks; scratching, undoing knots, peeling outer layers from fruit for eating and more.
Fingernails, toenails and body hair alike are made of keratin, which is a type of protein produced within the body when cells die. Our diets can dictate the health of these elements; weak and brittle nails and hair can be attributed to too little keratin in the foods we eat. Gelatin, canned processed meats such as hams and yogurts all contain valuable keratin. Thickeners used for making gravies and such also possess this element that can come from the hooves of animals. A fun way to ensure that kids get an adequate supply of keratin for healthy skin, hair and nails is to allow them to eat marshmallows; keep the amounts in moderation, however, due to the extremely high sugar content.
With the arduous work that fingernails are expected to perform, it is understandable how they can be subject to any number of maladies. Dirt collecting underneath the nails, splitting and breakage of the nails and the continuous shellac that nails are subjected to display can only harm the nails. Not to mention the fact that our hands are our main sensory factor for touch, and encounter a wide variety of bacteria laden surfaces. For this reason, it is vital to take good care of the nails; keeping them clean and trimmed can help to ward off fingernail infection.
Paronychia is the medical term for an infection of the fingernail. It can occur anywhere in the “U” shaped nail bed where the nail edge is not exposed. Cuticle is the area where the nail attaches to the skin, although a tiny lip of skin exists in this area that provides a sheltered area. Since we have bacteria on our hands at all times, it is only to be expected that this skin overlap would be home to a multitude of bacteria, since dark, moist areas are prone to bacteria growth. From time to time, this bacterium develops an infection that may materialize as a small pimple at first. Soreness of the nail and a reddening of the nail bed will follow. A pocket of pus can build beneath the skin, causing discomfort.
Home treatment of the fingernail infection can begin by soaking the affected finger in warm water for about 10 minutes several times each day. While soaking, try pulling the cuticle away from the nail and gently massage the area. Always be sure to dry the nail thoroughly after soaking. If the problem is not relieved within a day or two, a doctor should evaluate the condition in the event further treatment, such as draining the pus, may be necessary.
With the important job the hands have of expressing our feelings, they should be in the best condition. Infections of the nails are common and can easily be treated, so consider giving yourself a hand by keeping the nails healthy.