Nail bed inflammation on the finger
An acute nail bed inflammation of the finger is characterized by swelling, redness and pain in the affected fingernail. The affected area of skin often feels hot and a knocking pain is typically felt. This is caused by increased pressure on the small blood vessels by the inflamed tissue, which makes the pulse beat “palpable”.
After some time, pus forms on the lateral edges and under the nail plate of the finger, which sometimes comes out through pressure on the nail. In case of a severe inflammation of the fingernail, the lymph nodes under the armpits and in the crook of the arm or fever can also occur. In most cases, nail bed inflammation occurs on the finger due to mistakes in the care of the fingernails.
Sharp nail polish removers, nails that are too short and rough cutting of the cuticle when shortening the nails are typical things that promote the development of nail bed inflammation. For this reason it is important to shorten the fingernails regularly, but not too deeply into the lateral nail wall. Refatting hand creams can reduce the risk of skin cracks and should be applied regularly to the skin around the fingernail.When doing house or gardening work, gloves should be worn both for prevention and in case of an already existing nail bed inflammation on the finger, to protect the fingers from chemicals and injuries.
Nail bed inflammation of the thumb
Nail bed inflammation can occur on all hand or toenails, including the thumb. Often the tissue is reddened and a severe swelling occurs. In the course of the disease, there is pulsating pain, a feeling of heat, pus blisters, sensitivity to pressure and knocking, and the thumb is often restricted in its mobility.
A distinction is made between superficial and deep forms of nail bed inflammation. If the disease occurs on the thumb, it can lead to the peculiarity of a so-called V-plegmon. Since the anatomical structures in the area of the fingernails make it difficult for pus to flow outwards, the inflammation in a phlegmon spreads to surrounding soft tissue structures as well as to joints, bones and tendon sheaths. V-phlegmone refers to the inflammation of the tendon sheaths of the thumb and little finger (the infection is V-shaped). Due to the risk of spreading the inflammation, nail bed inflammation of the thumb (as well as all other foot and finger nails) must always be treated as quickly as possible.
