Why are there black dots in my longitudinal nail fold. Is this due to bacterial or fungal infection?

Hi,

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After going through the pictures (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it looks like a mixed infection affecting the nails as well as adjacent tissues. So here is what you can do to promote healing. Apply antibiotic ointment Mupirocin along with an antifungal cream Terbinafine (Lamisil) and apply it twice daily for one week. Avoid contact with water. Reapply the cream and ointment after hand washes. Do not cut your nails too deep or remove the cuticle. Wear latex gloves while washing or cleaning. Use a mild cleanser to wash your hands and feet. If you have diabetes, you have a resistant and prolonged infection. In that case, keep a check on your blood sugar levels. Maintain hygiene, wash your clothes separately. Follow up after one week.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I am so sorry to hear that you did not get any relief from a topical treatment. There is a medical condition characterized by the presence of fibers underneath, embedded in, and erupting from unbroken skin or slow-healing sores. Some people with the condition also experience a sensation of crawling, biting, and stinging on and in their skin. Some studies showed that it might be associated with ticks. At the same time, some showed that no underlying cause, including infection or bug infestation, was found. To treat your skin lesions, you should use antibiotic ointment because there are some erosions, and without proper care, they can cause secondary infection. You should change or clean your rugs and curtains regularly. You can use a non-toxic pesticide that is safe for indoor use (in case if there are any ticks). Keep your skin covered with thick moisturizer so that it would help to improve the barrier function of your skin and will not allow these fibers to penetrate.