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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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How To Treat Infected Cuticle?

I bite my nails which I know isn't great. I bit the cuticle by my thumb about a week ago, it got infected within a day. Since then I have been keeping it clean with hydrogen peroxide and bacitracin and then bandaging it. It has been getting better but it is still painful and slightly swollen and red. Is there anything else I should be doing?
Thu, 8 May 2014
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi,

You seem to have habit of nail biting. It known as onychophagia. It is an compulsive obssesive disorder. But, your query is for infection in skin surrounding the nail. That is due to nail biting and the injury to cuticle surrounding the nail. It may be called paronychia. It is an infection caused by bacteria like staphylococci.
First of all, you stop habit of nail biting. Take ashort course of antibiotics like cefixime. And take anti inflammatory drugs. Apply antibiotic cream on affected area. You consult dermatologist for firm diagnosis andtreatment. You may be alright. I hope you got my answer.

Thanks.

Dr. Ilyas Patel MD
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How To Treat Infected Cuticle?

Hi, You seem to have habit of nail biting. It known as onychophagia. It is an compulsive obssesive disorder. But, your query is for infection in skin surrounding the nail. That is due to nail biting and the injury to cuticle surrounding the nail. It may be called paronychia. It is an infection caused by bacteria like staphylococci. First of all, you stop habit of nail biting. Take ashort course of antibiotics like cefixime. And take anti inflammatory drugs. Apply antibiotic cream on affected area. You consult dermatologist for firm diagnosis andtreatment. You may be alright. I hope you got my answer. Thanks. Dr. Ilyas Patel MD