Fingernail pain

I couldn't find a forum for nail health on medhelp.org, so I will post this question here instead, since this problem is a result of anxiety.

For three years now, I have been pushing the nail-bed of my right hand down with the nails of the left and vice versa. I wouldn't say this is painful, but some tasks like washing my hair or playing guitar are challenging because of the discomfort. When I bend my fingers upward, it feels as if the bottom of the finger is being stretched like a rubber band. At this point I can see a space between the dead, white nail and the nail-bed that is clear.

I would like to know if this is a condition all its own, and if so what it is called. I know that I will be able to treat it by simply forcing myself to break this compulsive habit, but if there is anything that could restore the health to my nails, please suggest it.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Paronychia is one possibility that needs to be ruled out. It results from a breakdown of the protective barrier between the nail and the nail fold. Diagnosed by gram staining and KOH wet mounts from the skin and nail scrapings.

Treatment includes warm water soaks of the affected finger 3-4 times per day, oral antibiotics, topical antifungals and surgical intervention in more severe cases. My sincere advice would be to consult a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.