Paronychia

Paronychia is an inflammation around the base of the nails it is characterized by tender infection. This kind of nail disease is also known as felon or whitlow.

Two Types:

Acute paronychia – Sudden occurrence

Develops over a few hours when a nail fold becomes painful, reddish and swollen with presence of yellowish puss under the nail cuticles.

Chronic paronychia – gradual development

Gradual development process and more difficult to eradicate, usually starts in one nail fold and spreads to several others, the inflammation produces a thick puss

Symptoms

Yellow pus that appears under the cuticle
Fever and painful glands under the arms
Presence of abscesses

Treatment

For successful treatment of chronic paronychia the hands must be always kept clean. Should or avoid wet work, or use totally waterproof gloves with a cotton liner. After dirty work, wash thoroughly with an antibacterial soap.

Apple cider vinegar: Mix equal parts of warm water and apple cider vinegar in a flat basin. Soak feet in the solution for 15-20 minutes.

Tea tree oil: Mix tea tree oil with olive oil.

Oregano: Mix 2 drops of oregano oil with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply mixture on the infected area everyday for 3 weeks only. Oregano oil is an all-around analgesic, antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-parasitical, antiviral, and anti-fungal agent.

Prevention

Avoid wearing close-toe shoes
Avoid sharing of personal effects
Always makes sure to keep your feet dry.
Trim nails regularly by cutting them straightly
Avoid using nail polish as much as possible.