Onychia, oncychitis, Onychia subungualis, Onychia maligna, Panaritium paraunguale, paronychia, “circulation
Which doctor should I see?
A nail bed inflammation is not only extremely painful but should also be taken seriously, as otherwise the inflammatory pathogens will spread further and affect surrounding structures. To enable an adequate treatment of the nail bed inflammation it is important to know which doctor the patient goes to. If it is a mild inflammation, it is usually sufficient in most cases to go to the family doctor first.
He can then decide how far the inflammation has progressed and which treatment is best suited. In addition, the general practitioner can take a sample from the pus, send it to a laboratory and then have the pathogen determined in order to initiate either antiviral, antibacterial or antimycotic therapy. If the inflammation is already far advanced and threatens to spread to the surrounding tissues, it is also possible that the general practitioner writes a referral directly to a surgeon, who then removes the nail under anesthesia (narcosis) and allows the pus to drain away.
A dermatologist can also be consulted in the early stages, but in most cases a general practitioner is sufficient, as he or she can already give important tips and assessments. There are many different approaches to the treatment of nail bed inflammation (nail bed inflammation treatment). A good treatment of the nail bed inflammation shows baths with warm water, which should take place therefore best several times daily.
This will loosen the horny layer and any pus that may be present can drain better. After the bath, the skin around the nail and the nail itself should be carefully dabbed dry and then creamed, preferably with a disinfectant ointment such as Betaisodona. In addition, there are various home remedies that help to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the infection more quickly.
These include soapy water, tea tree water or a mixture of horseradish and honey. Some medicinal plants, such as arnica, chamomile, onions or savoy cabbage, also have an anti-inflammatory effect. They can either be used as bath additive, tea, tincture, compress or in ointments and creams (see: Arnica ointment).
If the infection of the nail has not disappeared within 3 days (or at least has improved significantly) or even becomes noticeable through increasing swelling and pain, a doctor should be consulted. This can then prescribe anti-inflammatory agents (anti-inflammatory drugs) for stubborn pus-filled areas, which facilitate the drainage of pus (nail bed inflammation treatment). There are also disinfectant drugs and antiseptic ointments.
The additional administration of antibiotics (in the form of tablets) becomes necessary only when the inflammation spreads to the adjacent lymphatic system. Penicillins, for example oxacillin, which are particularly effective against the staphylococci group of bacteria, are then usually used. In general, anti-inflammatory ointments, for example with chamomile, or baths have a supporting effect on the healing process.
Ammonium bituminosulfonate is an anti-inflammatory agent that can be applied to heavily suppurating areas. Disinfectant baths can also be recommended, which at the same time loosen the cornea somewhat and allow pus to drain off more easily. Since pus is mainly composed of bacteria, antibacterial substances can help.
If the inflammation is more advanced and a lot of pus has accumulated, it may be necessary to open the corresponding area with a small incision so that the pus can drain off. However, this should never be done by the affected person himself. In this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor and have the appropriate treatment clarified.
Depending on how pronounced the inflammation is, the healing process can take different lengths of time. In the case of a slight nail bed inflammation, treatment with ointments and baths can show its effect within a few days and eliminate the inflammation. In the case of more severe inflammation, which may require a minor surgical procedure, healing may take several weeks to months.
Accordingly, if nail bed inflammation is detected early and treated directly, the healing time is reduced.If the purulent nail bed inflammation does not subside on its own, an X-ray can be helpful to determine how far the infection has already progressed. Under no circumstances should a layman attempt to cut open the site of inflammation where pus has accumulated, as this is not without danger. If the infection is so severe that surgical treatment becomes necessary, the doctor will perform the procedure under local anesthesia, disinfecting the wound cavity and then draining the pus to the outside.
After the operation, the patient must wear a plaster splint for some time (nail bed inflammation treatment). Depending on the cause, it is of course additionally necessary to treat the underlying problem. This consists, for example, of being more careful with manicures or cleaning products or, in the case of a diabetic, of adjusting the sugar level correctly.
A nail bed inflammation on the toe is extremely unpleasant and painful and therefore requires adequate treatment. It is important to refrain from any kind of pedicure before the treatment, because filing and varnishing the nails will only aggravate the inflammatory process in case of doubt. Depending on the pathogen, the nail bed inflammation on the toe should be treated with antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal agents (agents against fungal diseases).
In addition, the inflammatory process should be inhibited. In case of a slight nail bed inflammation on the toe, the twice daily anti-inflammatory chamomile bath, which should be applied for 20 minutes each time, is often sufficient. Disinfecting iodine baths are also possible.
The toe should then be rubbed with a disinfecting ointment. Here, a Betaisodana ointment is recommended, which should be rubbed onto the inflamed area of the toe after each bath, not too thickly. It is always important to discuss the treatment with the doctor in order not to aggravate the inflammation, because it is possible that different ointments are prescribed depending on the pathogen.
In case of a bacterial infection it is often helpful to use an antibiotic-containing ointment, in some cases the antibiotic should also be taken orally (swallowed). Antimycotic ointments should be used in the case of a fungal infection. Cytostatic ointments such as Aciclovir often help in the case of a viral infection.
However, it may be difficult to treat nail bed inflammation on the toe because the pus cannot be removed. In this case, a doctor (never the patient himself!) should puncture the pus blister under local anesthesia, remove the nail and allow the pus to drain away.
In early stages, wild meat can be treated by the patient himself, for example with baths. In disinfectant baths, the cornea is slightly dissolved and can become detached. To ensure that the healing process of wild meat is well supported, no tight shoes should be worn and the nails should be cut correctly.
For example, nail corners should be filed slightly round. If the complaints do not subside, a chiropodist (podiatrist) should be consulted urgently. In severe cases, wild meat must be removed surgically. If the nail has grown in strongly, it may be necessary to remove part of the nail as well.
