Paronychia, a common foot condition, is a painful inflammation of the skin around the nail caused by a bacterial infection, which can be red, painful and, in severe cases, suppurated.
For many people, paronychia not only affects their daily life, but also brings them psychological burden.
The occurrence of paronychia is often closely related to our lifestyle habits. For example, wearing ill-fitting shoes for long periods of time or trimming your nails too deeply can cause damage to the skin around your nails, which can lead to bacterial infections. In addition, poor foot hygiene can also lead to bacterial growth, increasing the risk of paronychia.
In the treatment of paronychia, doctors usually take different treatment methods according to the severity of the condition, in addition to the doctor's treatment, patients also need to pay attention to the prevention of paronychia in daily life.
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01
What are the specific manifestations of paronychia?
First, let's take a look at the most common symptom of paronychia – pain. When paronychia attacks, people experience severe pain, especially when walking or touching the affected area. This pain may gradually increase as the condition worsens, making it unbearable for the patient.
Secondly, paronychia can also cause local redness and swelling. Due to the irritation of the inflammation, the skin around the affected area may become red and swollen, and in severe cases, pus may even appear. This redness is not only unsightly, but can also lead to more serious infections.
In addition, paronychia patients may also experience nail abnormalities. Nails may become deformed, thickened, or atrophied, and their color may change. These abnormalities are typical of paronychia and require prompt medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
Finally, it is worth noting that paronychia can also lead to the appearance of systemic symptoms. When the inflammation is severe enough to a certain extent, patients may experience systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue. This indicates that paronychia has affected the patient's overall health and needs to be treated in time.
02
What causes paronychia?
First of all, one of the most common causes is trauma. Whether it's an accidental injury or improper nail trimming, it can cause bacteria to invade the skin tissue around the nail, triggering inflammation. For example, over-trimming of nails can cause the nails to become embedded in the skin, creating "ingrown nails" that can cause pain and infection.
Secondly, personal hygiene habits are also an important factor in the occurrence of paronychia. If you don't clean your hands and feet regularly, especially during the sweaty season, bacteria can easily grow and increase the risk of infection. In addition, frequent exposure to water, chemicals, or detergents can also cause damage to the skin around the nails, providing an opportunity for bacteria.
In addition, some physical characteristics may also increase the risk of paronychia. For example, an abnormal shape, size, or direction of growth of a toenail can cause it to rub against the surrounding skin, making it susceptible to injury and infection.
At the same time, people with certain diseases such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or immune system disorders are also more susceptible to bacterial attack due to the body's reduced resistance.
03
Toenails always "drill" into the flesh, and it still hurts when touched? Teach you 4 tricks, or help you relieve paronychia
The first trick is to maintain foot hygiene. Wash your feet daily with warm water and soap, especially after outdoor activities, and make sure your feet are clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth. In addition, changing your socks regularly and choosing shoes with good breathability and soft materials can help reduce dampness on your feet and reduce the risk of paronychia.
Second, be especially careful when trimming your toenails. Many people with paronychia are caused by improper trimming of their toenails. When pruning, you should use special toenail scissors to cut the toenail into a straight line and avoid cutting it too short or too sharp. At the same time, avoid trimming too deep on the sides of the toenail so as not to injure the skin around the nail groove.
The third trick is that topical care is key. As soon as the symptoms of paronychia are detected, such as redness, swelling, pain, etc., immediate measures should be taken. A mild anti-inflammatory ointment can be applied to the affected area and gently massaged to aid absorption. In addition, you can also soak your feet in warm salt water, which can help relieve inflammation and pain.
Fourth, seek professional treatment. If paronychia symptoms continue to worsen, or even suppuration, infection, etc., it is recommended to seek medical attention in time. A professional doctor will prescribe a suitable treatment plan according to your condition, such as the use of antibiotics, local drainage, etc., to quickly control the inflammation and avoid further deterioration of the condition.
04
How can I prevent paronychia?
First and foremost, it's crucial to keep your feet clean and dry. Soaking your feet in warm water every day can not only cleanse the skin of your feet, but also promote blood circulation, which is very beneficial for the prevention of paronychia.
At the same time, choosing the right footwear and socks is also the key to preventing paronychia. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose to avoid compression or friction on your toes. Socks should be made of breathable and soft materials to keep your feet comfortable and dry.
Second, take extra care when trimming your nails. Nails that are too short tend to get embedded in the flesh and cause paronychia. Therefore, when trimming your nails, you should avoid cutting them too short, especially the edges on the sides. In addition, regular trimming of dead skin around your nails can help keep your nails neat and beautiful.
Finally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent paronychia. A balanced diet with adequate intake of vitamins and minerals can help strengthen the toughness and resistance of your nails. At the same time, strengthening exercise and improving physical fitness can also reduce the probability of paronychia to a certain extent.