Hello Doctor,
I've been having a problem with my finger. It seems like I keep getting this thing called paronychia, and now it's on my right forefinger. It's been bothering me for over 4 months, and it still hurts a lot. I've tried taking some medicine called amoxicillin, and I've used creams for fungus and bacteria. I also change the bandage on my finger every day or every two days, but it's not getting better. The skin around the side and underneath the tip of my finger looks bad now. What do you think is wrong with my finger?
Hello, Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Recurrent paronychia, as you've described, refers to an infection of the skin around the nails. This condition can be caused by various factors, including bacteria, fungi, or yeast. Typically, it occurs when the skin around a nail is compromised, often due to habits like nail-biting, manicures, or other physical trauma, which create openings for pathogens to enter.
Considering the symptoms you've experienced over the past 4 months, it's plausible that you're dealing with chronic paronychia. This form of paronychia tends to persist for weeks or even longer and is commonly associated with Candida, a type of yeast, or a combination of bacteria and Candida. However, it's essential to consider other possibilities, such as eczema or psoriasis, which can present similar symptoms.
Given the duration of your condition and the lack of improvement despite your efforts, it's advisable to revisit your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may need to reassess the situation and possibly conduct a culture to identify the specific cause of the infection. This information will be crucial in devising an effective treatment strategy.
In some instances, particularly if the infection is severe or persistent, a surgical intervention might be necessary to drain the affected area. Meanwhile, maintaining proper hygiene by keeping the area clean and dry is important. Additionally, avoiding habits like nail-biting or picking and using gloves during activities involving water can help prevent further aggravation of the condition.
Warm regards,
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