It grows into a cuticle on each nail. With a cuticle infection, the cuticle and also the fingertip can be painful or swollen. Touch is then experienced as very unpleasant, making it difficult to move the finger. Circulation can also occur in a chronic form, making the condition permanent. Normal circulation is then less painful compared to the acute form. In a later stage of the condition, in addition to swelling, pus may also emerge from under the nail. What causes nail circulation and what can you do to prevent cuticle inflammation?

Circulation on the nail

• What causes it?
• How serious is nail circulation?
• Therapy options
• Tips on how not to get it

What causes it?

There are several reasons why circulation can occur on the nail. Main reasons are:

• something gets under the nail and sticks into the finger flesh, introducing bacteria;
• the nail and cuticle have been regularly damaged. This includes incorrect cutting or updating of the nail. Biting the nails also has a very unfavorable effect, and tearing off the skin around the nail is also indicated as a cause;
• get stuck behind the nail, causing dirt to get underneath;
• fungi.

Once the cuticle is damaged, bacteria have free rein and multiply at a rapid pace. As a result, circulation can immediately develop into an acute form, causing the cuticle and surrounding tissue to swell and feel painful.

How serious is nail circulation?

Normally, apart from the red glow and painful swelling, there is little to worry about and will simply disappear with time. If there is pus from under the nail, your GP will need to be contacted for further treatment. This can open the abscess, removing pus and cleaning it out. Please note that this may mean that part of the nail must be removed. For proper healing, you must of course take good care of your nails and cuticle to prevent worse. You can also use natural vinegar or soda bath to combat the fungus.

Therapy options

If there is superficial damage with yellow pus, an incision can be made without anesthesia. If the cuticle infection causes deeper damage, a course of antibiotics or, for example, Floxapen may be necessary. If there is persistent circulation, the nail is removed under local anesthesia. In chronic circulation, the condition should be dry, in addition to which Daktarin (anti-fungal ointment) is smeared on the nail.

Tips on how not to get it

It goes without saying that you must take proper care of your nails. This means that you should not bite your nails. Consider the following tips, among others:

• the nails should be cut evenly and not too short. If you have hard nails, cut them after washing, because water softens the nail;
• avoid touching skin and don’t bite your nails. Your nail itself is relatively hard, but you should not use the nail as a tool;
• protect the nails during cleaning work and avoid contact with irritating substances;
• avoid cramped and clammy footwear.

read more

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