Causes
Inflammation of the nail bed usually begins with a small injury to one end of the finger or toe. Through this small injury, bacterial pathogens, viruses or fungi can penetrate the tissue. Below the fingernail, the relevant pathogens find an ideal habitat in which they can settle and multiply undisturbed.
In the course of time, the organism initiates various cascades of reactions which result in a pronounced inflammation of the nail bed. In most cases, the inflammation of the nail bed is caused by bacteria of the genus “Staphylococcus aureus“. This pathogen is a bacterium that can also be found on the healthy skin surface. Only a corresponding injury of the nail region and the entry of these germs into the tissue makes a disease possible.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an inflammation at the nail bed can be differently pronounced depending on the extent of the disease. In most cases, the skin around the affected nail is clearly reddened. In addition, patients suffering from an inflammation of the nail bed usually perceive a strong overheating of the nail which can spread to the beginning of the fingertip.
Another typical symptom indicating the presence of an inflammation of the nail bed is the occurrence of strong, throbbing pain. Classically, the knocking sensed by the patient is synchronous with the heartbeat. Especially at the lateral edges of the nail wall and directly under the nail, small accumulations of pus can form.
However, the occurrence of such pus accumulations is rather rare in the case of a common inflammation of the nail bed (synonym: Panaritium paraunguale). If purulent secretion emerges from the infected nail bed, it is an advanced inflammation, which is called “Panaritium subunguale” in medical terminology. In addition, if there is a pronounced inflammation of the nail bed, it can lead to a significant restriction of movement, which is mainly due to the pain shooting up during any movement.
If an inflammation at the nail bed is not treated in time, the inflammatory processes can spread to adjacent structures and affect other parts of the finger or toe. The tendons and bony structures are particularly at risk.In particularly severe cases, the nail plate may become deformed or even completely detach from the infected nail bed. Compared to acute inflammation of the nail bed, chronic nail bed inflammation is usually much less painful.
This form of inflammation of the nail bed usually occurs on several fingers or toes simultaneously. In addition, the nail fold in affected patients is usually discolored bluish or reddish. In the further course, both forms of inflammation of the nail bed can lead to serious complications.