Risk factors
Since smallest injuries at the fingers or toes favor the emergence of an inflammation at the nail bed some risk factors could be specified. Smallest injuries over those for example bacterial exciters into the fabric to penetrate can, develop particularly if the finger or toe nails are cut very short. In addition, rounding of the toenails can cause the nail edges to grow into the cuticle and allow bacterial passage.
For this reason, toenails should always be cut as straight as possible and never rounded. In addition, wearing shoes that are too tight or too small on a regular basis is considered a risk factor for the development of inflammation at the nail bed. Patients suffering from general diseases such as diabetes mellitus also have a significantly increased risk of developing inflammatory processes in the area of the nail bed.
The reason for this is, for example, the limited sensitivity at the feet of the affected persons. In addition, people with diabetes mellitus often suffer from impaired wound healing, which facilitates the penetration of bacterial pathogens. Another risk factor for the development of an inflammation at the nail bed that should not be underestimated is frequent contact with water and/or chemical agents.
Particularly for people who are exposed to these substances at work and who do not protect their hands and feet sufficiently during their work, there is an increased risk. Risk factors at a glance:
- Radical Nail Care
- Diabetes mellitus
- Blood clotting disorders/wound healing disorders
- Smoking
- Regular consumption of alcohol
- Tight shoes
- Frequent contact with water and/or chemical agents
The therapy of an inflammation of the nail bed depends both on the extent of the disease and the time of diagnosis. If the inflammation at the nail bed is already recognized as such at the beginning, the application of an antiseptic ointment to the affected nail is sufficient in most cases.
Subsequently, the affected finger or toe can be bandaged with a sterile compress or bandage and the healing process can be waited for. If the disease has already progressed so far that bacterial pathogens can be detected in the area of the wound, an antibiotic must also be administered. The antibiotic must usually be taken in tablet form.
It fights the bacterial pathogens and thus prevents the spread of the inflammatory processes to neighbouring structures. In cases in which the inflammation at the nail bed was caused by fungi, an anti-fungal agent (antimycotic) must be prescribed instead of an antibiotic. If there is no improvement within one week after the application of these treatment methods, surgical therapy should be considered.
In most cases, the affected patient receives a local anaesthetic before the surgical intervention is required. The pus can then be drained from the wound under surgical conditions. Immediately after the surgical treatment of the inflammation at the nail bed, the affected hand or foot must be immobilized with a splint. After the treatment of the inflammation at the nail bed, the wound must be cleaned and re-bandaged daily by the physician over a period of approximately one week. The affected patient is also advised to take care of the arm or foot, cool it regularly and position it as high as possible.
