Chronic Paronychia

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas

Chronic Paronychia:

  • Is an infection of the skin around a nail with the yeast Candida Albicans
  • May start as an Acute Paronychia and then turn into a chronic paronychia
  • Is often associated with damage the nail cuticle
  • Damage to the cuticle may occur if the cuticles are trimmed, pushed back, if the hands are in water repeatedly or if artificial nails are worn
  • The yeast enters the opening between the skin and the nail and produces an infection
  • The skin is often red and swollen around the nail
  • The skin is sometimes tender
  • There is usually no pus come out around the nail
  • The cuticle is almost always missing
  • The nail may be yellow or ridged, especially at the edges

General Measures:

  • Avoid contact with water
  • Wear gloves whenever your hands are in water, or if you are doing wet work (laundry, cutting up foods, etc.).
  • Do not push back or trim your cuticles

Topical Therapy:

  • A prescription topical nail lacquer can be used once daily
  • It is applied to the nail and to the skin around the nail, every day and removed once weekly with nail polish remover
  • It must be used for 6 months or more to see improvement
  • Do not use nail polish over the laquer as it may permanently discolour your nails

Oral Medications (Pills):

  • Please talk to your doctor to discuss your treatment options

What if you are interested to learn more?

If you would like to learn more please phone the aesthetic centre directly at (905) 549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians or

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