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What shall I do for broken nail bed?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My nail beds are not smooth. The area from where nails are coming out is broken. I am having this problem for more than six years. First, it was there only on a single nail and then it started spreading. Sometimes, watery pus forms near the root of the nail. I have sent the images for your reference.

Answered by Dr. Suvash Sahu

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

I have seen your query and images (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It seems that you are suffering from paronychia with ingrown nails. Paronychia is an infection around a fingernail. In your case, since you are suffering from last six years, it looks like chronic paronychia, which is usually caused by a fungal infection. It can get investigated either through gram staining or culture to rule out bacteria or potassium hydroxide smear to rule out fungal infection. In case of soft tissue swelling, the infection may resolve with warm soaks of three to four times daily. But, if an abscess has developed, then incision and drainage must be performed. For pain, I suggest oral antibiotics like Augmentin 625 milligrams (Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) thrice daily if not sensitive to penicillin group. Also, I suggest a topical Fusidic acid cream and Clotrimazole or Sebifine ointment (Terbinafine) twice daily for five days. For nail plate abnormality, I suggest tablet Fluconazole once weekly for six months. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent. Do cut your nail from side as side nails once grow will pinch the skin and cause recurrent problem. Also, avoid prolonged contact of your hand with water.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I did not understand the warm soaks that you have mentioned? Should I do it with warm water only or I need to mix something with water?

Answered by Dr. Suvash Sahu

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

You can use warm normal saline or mix a little bit of salt in the warm water.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Suvash Sahu

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At July 23, 2016
Reviewed AtOctober 17, 2024

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