paronychia problem - Nail Problems Message Board

cactusj00 · 01-01-2007, 07:11 PM

I am having a real bad problem with my nail and i don't know what to do.

About 2 months ago the skin around my nail on my middle finger become red and swollen. I am not sure what caused it but i think it was a hang nail but i am not sure.

I went to the doctor and they said it was a paronychia and put me on antibiotics but there was no change. I then went to a hand specialist who tried to drain the finger but there was not much pus in it. The next day my finger was filled with pus and the doctor drained it again and packed it to keep it open for a few days. They also put me back on anitbiotics. The doctor also had me soak the finger every day, which i know know was not right.

2 weeks latter the finger was about the same and the doctor decided to take a section out to help it heal. Around this time it started to spread to other fingers. I had the surgery and i was put on stronger antibiotics but it is still bad.

The hand specialist now thinks that my problem was caused by psiriosis (sp) and sent me to a dermatologist who gave me some anti fungal cream for the finger.

i still think that it is not getting any better. I dont know what to do.

I am usualy healthy and I have never had a problem like this. The only change in my life is that i stoped eating meat about 6 mo. ago.

Also I work in a lab where my hands are wet all day but for the last 3 weeks i have been keeping them completely dry.

please any advise

i am desperate

Marti · 01-02-2007, 10:20 AM

Paronychia is caused by a fungal or yeast infection of the nail folds. It can be very painful. It is not usually caused by a bacteria, therefore, the antibiotics would not help. Having your hands wet all the time would also contribute. Usually, people that work in bars get this from squeezing lines and lemons - we commonly refer to this as 'bar rot'.

If you can, go see your dermatologist - they are usually more knowledgable of nail and skin dosirders than regular doctors are.

An anti-fungal cream or ointment might help, but you would need one that is prescription strength.

When one stops eating meat and does not replace the missing protein with something else, they will experience a lot of health and skin issues. Your skin, hair and nails are all made from Keratin Protein. Your body cannot develop this protein all on its own and needs the proteins you ingest. You will need to eat a lot of beans and other food items that are mainly protein to help replace what you are loosing from not eating meats.

cactusj00 · 01-02-2007, 12:02 PM

i was perscribed Econazole nitrate cream for the problem.

also does any one know of any kinds of supplements that i could take to help replace the missing protein

Marti · 01-02-2007, 07:08 PM

There aren't really any supplements that will replace meat as a protein except certain vegetables. Soy is an excellent source of protein. You should be able to get Soy Burgers at your local health food market along with other soy products.

cactusj00 · 01-02-2007, 07:43 PM

i have added soy to my diet and i thought i was being very good about the protein but maybe not.

I feel that my job my be at fault