Get to know Paronychia, Cantengan in Bite reasons often nail infections

nail biting is a habit that is often considered harmless. But, you know, this habit can actually cause infection in the skin around the nails called paronychia.

This condition, also known as Cantengan, can certainly disrupt your daily activities. Because, paronychia can cause pain, redness and swelling in the infected area. In fact, in some cases, an infection can cause a pus-filled lump.

potential habits of paronychia

Whitlow occurs when the skin is in the area of nail irritation or injury. When the skin around the nails is damaged, germs can easily enter and infect the area. This infection can be caused by bacteria and fungi.

Skin irritation around the nails can be caused by habits that are generally not considered risky, biting the nails and other things such as:

often suck
Biting or pulling the skin around the nails
Cut the nail too short or participate cuticle cut (the skin around the nail is)
Manicures with mistakes
Hands are often submerged in water, like washing flat often

Some people can also become infected after using glue to attach fake nails. Systemic health problems like diabetes can also increase the risk of paronychia.

Follow the steps to prevent paronychia
You can reduce the risk of paronychia by following these steps.

Use a moisturizer after washing your hands
Avoid nail biting habits
Be careful when cutting your nails
Keep hands and nails clean and dry
Do not dip your hand in water for too long
Avoid contact with materials that can cause irritation
Don't let your nails grow for too long

In addition, you are also expected to continue to monitor the cleanliness of nail clippers. If you work in an area that requires fingers to be submerged in water for a long time, or come into contact with chemicals, wear gloves.

Although it is more common in the fingers, it is possible that this infection attacks the toes. So you need to keep clean, socks change every day to keep them dry and not be a source of infection.

If paronychia is already done, what should be done?

Whitlow is classified into acute and chronic paronychia. In acute conditions, infections occur quickly and brutally, but can disappear quickly. Acute paronychia usually occurs in the fingers.

Meanwhile in chronic paronychia, many product infections, either fingers or toes. In chronic conditions the infection does not cure or treat but is repeated continuously.

Paronychia after treatment is suitable for this case.

acute paronychia

You can start treatment of simple acute infections, by soaking your fingers in warm water. Do it for 15 minutes, 2-4 times a day. If an infection is not clear or pus-filled lumps form on the skin around the nails, contact your doctor immediately.

If you have paronychia considered to be very severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for drinking. Then, to remove pus, the doctor may anesthetize the area before doing so.

The doctor can also remove a small part of the nail to make sure the pus really is.

chronic paronychia

Chronic parony is generally caused by fungus. As a treatment, your doctor may prescribe antifungal ointments such as clotrimazole or ketoconazole. You may need to apply this ointment every day for several weeks.

You also need to keep your skin clean and dry. In some cases, your doctor may also prescription medication or antidote for steroids for your drink.

After learning about prisoners, you should be more aware of this condition. Remember to always look after your nails and skin and avoid habits that can cause infection.