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What Causes A Hard Painful Swollen Area At The End Of The Fingernail?
Question: I have some sort of infection at the end of my finger next to the fingernail. It is a hard painful swollen area that cracks and opens every few days. I have had it for over a year.
Brief Answer:
Acute on chronic paronychia i.e infection of nail fold
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
i am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have reviewed the images.
I can see swelling of nail lateral fold and broken skin with discharge.
It is acute on chronic paronychia i.e secondary bacterial infection superimposed over underlying candidal paronychia.
The infection is more common in those involved in household work and food handlers, requiring frequent and long contact with water.
I suggest an oral antibiotic e.g amoxicilin 500mg or cephalexin 500mg, thrice daily for a week. Topically you may use an antibacterial ointment e.g neosporin ointment. You may also take an oral anti-inflammatory e.g ibuprofen for symptomatic relief from pain and swelling.
This would resolve acute pain and secondary bacterial infection.
Thereafter you must take an oral antifungal e.g fluconazole 150mg once a week for a few months (3-6 months).
Regards
Acute on chronic paronychia i.e infection of nail fold
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
i am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have reviewed the images.
I can see swelling of nail lateral fold and broken skin with discharge.
It is acute on chronic paronychia i.e secondary bacterial infection superimposed over underlying candidal paronychia.
The infection is more common in those involved in household work and food handlers, requiring frequent and long contact with water.
I suggest an oral antibiotic e.g amoxicilin 500mg or cephalexin 500mg, thrice daily for a week. Topically you may use an antibacterial ointment e.g neosporin ointment. You may also take an oral anti-inflammatory e.g ibuprofen for symptomatic relief from pain and swelling.
This would resolve acute pain and secondary bacterial infection.
Thereafter you must take an oral antifungal e.g fluconazole 150mg once a week for a few months (3-6 months).
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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