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Suggest Treatment For An Infected Cuticle On The Finger
Question: I have an infected cuticle (index finger of my left hand. The cuticle separated from the nail several months ago (at least two) following a two month trip to NE Oregon. I have irrigated it with alcohol and applied antiseptic ointments and band aid covering. It remains red, swollen and very sore. Extremely dry, chapped hands initiated the condition.
What else should I do? Shall I seek medical interception?
What else should I do? Shall I seek medical interception?
Brief Answer:
Oral antibiotics and Oral antifungal and topical steroid+antifungal lotion
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr. Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
You seem to have developed a condition known as chronic paronychia which is inflammation of the nail folds due to Candida/ yeast infection of the proximal and lateral nail folds. Separation of the cuticle is a predisposing factor which commonly happens in those engaged in frequent wet work e.g food handlers and other similar occupations.
Chronic paronychia commonly presents with boggy, red, proximal and lateral nail folds. Pain may be due to bacterial superinfection. Since you say that it is red, swollen and very sore therefore I would suggest a week of oral antibiotics to take care of bacterial superinfection e.g amoxicilin 500mg or cephalexin 500mg, thrice daily.
You may also take an oral antiinflammatory e.g ibuprofen or diclofenac for a week.
In addition I would suggest an Oral antifungal e.g tab. fluconazole 150mg, once a week for 3 months.
Topically you may use an antifungal and steroid combination lotion e.g clotrimazole 1% and beclomethasone 0.025% lotion, twice daily.
These are prescription medications and I suggest that you should discuss this with your doctor for the needful.
Regards
Oral antibiotics and Oral antifungal and topical steroid+antifungal lotion
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr. Kakkar (Dermatologist). I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
You seem to have developed a condition known as chronic paronychia which is inflammation of the nail folds due to Candida/ yeast infection of the proximal and lateral nail folds. Separation of the cuticle is a predisposing factor which commonly happens in those engaged in frequent wet work e.g food handlers and other similar occupations.
Chronic paronychia commonly presents with boggy, red, proximal and lateral nail folds. Pain may be due to bacterial superinfection. Since you say that it is red, swollen and very sore therefore I would suggest a week of oral antibiotics to take care of bacterial superinfection e.g amoxicilin 500mg or cephalexin 500mg, thrice daily.
You may also take an oral antiinflammatory e.g ibuprofen or diclofenac for a week.
In addition I would suggest an Oral antifungal e.g tab. fluconazole 150mg, once a week for 3 months.
Topically you may use an antifungal and steroid combination lotion e.g clotrimazole 1% and beclomethasone 0.025% lotion, twice daily.
These are prescription medications and I suggest that you should discuss this with your doctor for the needful.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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