Help please

The skin around all my nails is really hard and painful. Its been like this for eight months or so. It used to come and go but hasn't gone away yet. Is it a fungus or something else weird? It is driving me insane it's so annoying and won't go away!!!!!!!!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What you seem to be having is called paronychia.It is an often-tender bacterial or fungal hand infection where the nail and skin meet at the side or the base of a finger or toenail.

Pus is usually present, along with gradual thickening and sometimes browning discoloration of the nail plate.For this, soak the finger in hot water 2-3 time daily and to drain the pus and consult a doctor for antibiotics or antifungal prescription depending on the infection.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[sarahlukacs]

Thank you for writing me. I will start soaking my fingers. I have never had any pus though. Would that mean it's not that bad of infection?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since paronychia involves the skin around the nails, so it may take a little longer to heal completely.Pls consult a dermatologist and get yourself prescribed antimicrobials as it is the mainstay of treatment.

I hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[sarahlukacs]

Thank you again. I will keep you posted and let you know if I have anymore questions.

[sarahlukacs]

Hello, I was wondering if there is a cream or anything else I can put on my fingers that is sold in stores.   Thank you

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You can try antibiotic creams like Neosporin or Mupirocin.If the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed.
I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[sarahlukacs]

Hello, sorry it took me so long to post. My fingers are a lot better. I didn't soak them as much as I should have but it is kind of going away on its own. Every time I got it before it always went away by itself. This time just took a really long time. So right now it is really just my first & second fingers on my left hand & first finger on my right hand. I did stop touching and picking at the hard skin which really helped too. Soaking always made it feel better when I was done. Thank you for all your help.
Sincerely,
               Sarah

[sarahlukacs]

Hello, sorry it took me so long to post. My fingers are a lot better. I didn't soak them as much as I should have but it is kind of going away on its own. Every time I got it before it always went away by itself. This time just took a really long time. So right now it is really just my first & second fingers on my left hand & first finger on my right hand. I did stop touching and picking at the hard skin which really helped too. Soaking always made it feel better when I was done. Thank you for all your help.
Sincerely,
               Sarah