paronychia - Nail Problems Message Board

bebe1983 · 11-15-2008, 10:01 PM

this is so weird....i thought i had a fingernail fungus b/c i had some discoloration on a nail or two and the skin surrounding the nail is red and a little painful.

my doc took some nail clippings from me to test, and it all came back negative. i dont get it. why do i still have the painful red swollen area around the nail ? i squeezed a little of it and a tiny bit of pus drained. gross. help me please

Marti · 11-16-2008, 06:52 AM

You have a paronychia infection of the nail fold which does not register if they take a nail clipping because it isn't in or under the nail plate. It is in the skin. Please see your dermatologist for a prescription because it will only get worse unless it is treated. The 'pus' is related to the infection and needs to be treated.

bebe1983 · 11-16-2008, 11:39 AM

could this have been caused by improper care of acrylic nails? i work in a restaurant and did not get Them filled on time for 2 months. i noticed i started have pain on the nail Folds while i had them.

Marti · 11-17-2008, 06:28 AM

If you work in a bar and squeeze lemons, limes, or other acidic fruit, you have what nail technicians commonly refer to as "bar rot" which is paronychia. You need to see your dermatologist. If it were an allergic reaction to acrylics, not only would the skin around the nail unit (including the sides of the nail) itch and burn, but it would develop tiny blisters. Pus is normally not a symptom of an allergic reaction.

Shakira · 11-19-2008, 10:00 AM

Wouldn't the acid in the fruit kill the infection? I thought that's why vinegar was recommended for nail infections - because the acid in it kills the infecton.