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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Recurring Nail Infection?

It seems like every few weeks when I tear off a hangnail within 12 hours my entire finger is swollen and very itchy and a red line starts to go up my forearm I took some zyrtec and some amoxicillin But, like I said it keeps happening not every hangnail though.
Mon, 19 Sep 2016
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi and welcome to HCM
You are developing infection of the nailfold and surrounding areas of your finger, caused by the repeated tearing off of the hangnail and possibly the skin and cuticle around the nail. You are exposing the nail to repeated infection by removing this skin which is present tightly around the nail to protect it and the finger inside.
You can jus cut the skin carefully , not too deep. Do not ever pull or tear it.
As the infection spreads up your vessels, it is seen as a red line. Repeated such infection can spread to the blood stream and lymph nodes.
Take a course of augmentin for 5 days. Apply mupirocin ointment on the area till it heals. keep the area clean and dry and strictly don't peel the skin.
In case there is discharge or pus again, you can get it tested for culture and sensitivity after consulting a doctor.
Hope this helps.
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What Causes Recurring Nail Infection?

Hi and welcome to HCM You are developing infection of the nailfold and surrounding areas of your finger, caused by the repeated tearing off of the hangnail and possibly the skin and cuticle around the nail. You are exposing the nail to repeated infection by removing this skin which is present tightly around the nail to protect it and the finger inside. You can jus cut the skin carefully , not too deep. Do not ever pull or tear it. As the infection spreads up your vessels, it is seen as a red line. Repeated such infection can spread to the blood stream and lymph nodes. Take a course of augmentin for 5 days. Apply mupirocin ointment on the area till it heals. keep the area clean and dry and strictly don t peel the skin. In case there is discharge or pus again, you can get it tested for culture and sensitivity after consulting a doctor. Hope this helps.