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The inflamed nail usually results from an ingrown nail, causing pain, swelling and redness. If not properly treated, it can become infected, accumulating pus on the affected finger.
Inflammation of the nail can also be caused by an object falling over the fingers, a bad habit of cutting the corners of the nails, wearing tight shoes and infections by fungi or bacteria.
To treat the inflamed nail, you must cut the tip of the nail that is causing the inflammation with sterile scissors, apply local pain relievers to relieve pain, and in the most severe cases, have surgery to extract the nail.
Inflamed nail remedy
The inflamed nail can be treated with the use of antibiotic creams and ointments in the composition, which will prevent the nail from becoming infected and the inflammation from getting worse. Some examples of ointments with antibiotics in the composition are Nebacetin, Nebacimed or Verutex, for example.
In addition, in some cases, the doctor may also recommend the use of creams or ointments with corticosteroids, which is an anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce swelling. Examples of corticosteroid ointments in the composition are Berlison and Cortigen, for example. Some ointments also have antibiotics and corticosteroids in their composition, thus facilitating adherence to treatment.
In more severe cases, where an infection develops, it may be necessary to take oral antibiotics, which must be prescribed by the doctor.
How to care for the nail to prevent it from getting inflamed
The basic precautions to take to avoid the inflamed nail are as follows:
- Prevent the nails from jamming, cutting them always straight, never at the corners, always keeping the tips free;
- Remove only excess cuticle;
- Avoid wearing tight shoes and pointed toes;
- Use emollient creams to reduce discomfort.
Learn more about what to do to avoid the ingrown nail.
In the most severe cases, with pus pockets and spongy tissue in place, it is preferable to see a dermatologist so that inflamed tissues are removed properly, without complications.
The doctor will lift the corner of the nail with a spatula, away from the inflamed skin with a cotton swab, removing the nail tip that is causing the inflammation, with sterile scissors.
Then, drain the local swelling, when present, and apply a dressing with antibiotic-based creams. It may also be necessary to take oral antibiotics, especially in cases of secondary infections.
To permanently treat the inflamed nail, surgery can be performed to destroy the nail matrix or extract it completely, but only as a last resort, because when the nail grows back, it may become stuck again.