Nails serves to enhance precise delicate movements of the fingers through counter-pressure exerted on the pulp of the finger. It functions as a tool, enabling, for instance, a so-called “extended precision grip” (e.g. pulling out a splinter in one’s finger), and certain cutting or scraping actions. Fingernails and toenails are made of a tough protective protein called alpha-keratin.
NORMAL HEALTHY NAIL
Most commonly seen disease of the nail beds(fingernail or toenail) where the nail beds become infected by bacteria or fungi is called paronychia. In such condition, the surrounding skin of the nails starts to irritate and may present as pain, redness and swelling around.
Alarming Symptoms Of Nail Infections –
Ø Redness around the nails bed.
Ø Swelling around the nails bed.
Ø Several nails on the same hand may be affected at the same time.
Ø Formation of Pus.
Ø Pain and tenderness in the affected nail bed.
Ø Difficulty in doing normal work or walking.
Ø The skin around the nail feels moist or “boggy.”
NAIL BED INFECTION ( PARONYCHIA)
What are the Causes?
Ø Patients suffering from diabetes.
Ø People who use more water are more prone to such diseases.
Ø Biting or pulling off a hangnail.
Ø Fishermen and Washer men are the prime sufferers.
Ø People used to use washing bar frequently suffers more.
Ø The habit of Biting or pulling own nails.
Ø Cutting or pushing back the skin around the sides and bottom of the nail. Use of chemicals on the nail bed in forms of nail polish or nail polish remover.
Ø Injury during pedicure or manicure. Dirty nails.
Ø Exposed to clays or any infected thing.
Treatment :
It is a very simple disease and maximum time recovers itself gradually within a week but the problem arises when the pus formation continues and exposure to water or chemical or dirty things continue. There is always a risk with the patients of Diabetes and separate treatment must be planned to reduce the blood sugar level.
Finally, one thing to remember though it starts with a bacterial infection or injury but later on fungus can make a tent there and can affect the other nails too.
Diet
Ø Haldi(Turmeric) heated with oil and local application.
Ø Garlic juice is a very strong anti-inflammatory agent and it can be used as a local application.
Ø Honey and cinnamon powder paste locally.
Ø Paste of Tulsi (Holy Basil) Gudduchi (Tinosporacordifolia) mixed with honey locally.
Ø Apple paste with vinegar mixes the solution, and keep your infected finger on that.
Nail Care Tips
Ø Be gentle when you manicure your nails.
Ø Avoid cutting your cuticles or pushing them back.
Ø Keep your nails away from frequent water exposed.
Ø Avoid nail-biting, by doing this we often cut the outer surface of our nail bed. Thus changes of infection increases.
Ø Avoid biting hangnail, it is a bad habit and often we have to pay for that in terms of nail bed infection.
Ø Avoid chemical exposer. Simple detergent is one of the major factors in this case. Keep your nails dry. Those who repeatedly wash their hands and feet are more prone to develop these positive aspects. In my personal view, have seen many people used to apply nail polish to reduce the pain, but by doing this we actually trigger the disease condition.
Homoeopathic Approach to Nail Infections:
Homoeopathic Remedies act wonderfully when symptoms match, it focuses on the patient as a person and the pathological condition. Homoeopathic medicines are selected after a detailed individualizing examination and case analysis. General remedies like Antim Crud, Sil, Hepar sulph, Sulphur, Graphites.
(Caution: Do not self- medicate, take homoeopathic medicines under the supervision of Homoeopathic Physician.)
Share your feedback on clinic@kalpclinic.in or
Whatsapp on 982188874
Kalp Clinic
Write a comment: