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What Causes Nail Infection?

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Posted on Thu, 28 Apr 2016
Question: I have been picking at my nails when they get long enough for 10 years. Bad habbit. I have never had this happen but i was messing with then and now 3 out of 10 fingers appear to be infected. Why would this happen to more than one finger but never haplen before
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Infected nails , antibiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

For the nail to get infected there needs to be some predisposition with regards to the surface being eroded. We have bacteria in our oral cavities. They may harbor infective organisms and lead to an infection. Empirically amoxicillin clavulanate course can be advised for a week. Ibuprofen and serratiopeptidase can also be prescribed. In the meanwhile , keep the affected areas dry and clean with diluted povidone and Neosporin application topically. Any pus or discharge associated should be sent for examination and culture sensitivity testing. The crusting can be sent for fungal culture especially if the response to antibiotics is inadequate.


Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (14 minutes later)
Could this be due to an underlying condition or something serios
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Bacterial infection locally is the most likely cause. Systemic cause is unlikely. Onychomycosis will be dealt with in case response to empiric treatment is poor.

Blood sugar and x ray of the bones/joints involving the fingers should also be done, primarily.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2906 Questions

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What Causes Nail Infection?

Brief Answer: Infected nails , antibiotics Detailed Answer: Hello and Welcome I appreciate your concern For the nail to get infected there needs to be some predisposition with regards to the surface being eroded. We have bacteria in our oral cavities. They may harbor infective organisms and lead to an infection. Empirically amoxicillin clavulanate course can be advised for a week. Ibuprofen and serratiopeptidase can also be prescribed. In the meanwhile , keep the affected areas dry and clean with diluted povidone and Neosporin application topically. Any pus or discharge associated should be sent for examination and culture sensitivity testing. The crusting can be sent for fungal culture especially if the response to antibiotics is inadequate. Wishing you best of health Thanks Let me know if you have any query Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action. For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107 Dr. M.S. Khalil