Bacterial paronychia, a common infection around the nail of a finger, occurs when bacteria enter. Bacteria readily enter small injuries caused by nail biting or picking at the fingers. Thumb sucking can cause paronychia in small children. The area...
The fingernails protect the ends of the fingers and function as tools that assist in fine motor functions such as picking up minute objects. Like other body parts, fingernails are vulnerable to diseases that may affect nail structure and function....
An ingrown toenail develops when the nail grows into the flesh of the toe, causing pain, swelling and redness. In some cases, the ingrown toenail breaks through the skin and allows bacteria to enter the underlying tissues. The resulting infection...
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most common cause of a toenail infection is a fungus and 12 percent of Americans are affected by it. Normally, there are a number of bacteria and fungi present on the body, but a fungus can...
With a high level of physical exposure, toenail problems occur frequently. Infections prove particularly common and may affect the nail bed or the surrounding skin. Toenail injuries also commonly occur. Home treatments often suffice for minor...
You can reduce your chances of developing a nail infection by making sure to keep both your toenails and fingernails short, clean and evenly trimmed. If your nails are particularly thick around their corners, you can also use a nail file to smooth...
Nail biting is regarded as a mostly harmless habit that can accompany stress and anxiety. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against biting nails, citing bad hygiene and the spread of germs to be one of the various...
The toenails and fingernails, made up of layers of hardened protein referred to as keratin, protect the underlying tissues of the toes and fingers. According to the MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, nail health can...
Nail cuticle infections are often caused by bacteria, yeast or fungus. The medical term for an infection around the base of the nail is paronychia. Symptoms include redness, swelling and tenderness at the base of the nail, often the cuticle. The...
Fingernail discoloration can be a sign of a nail infection. The condition can also occur from health problems and underlying medical conditions. The fingernails often provide signs of overall health and wellness. Chiropractic doctor and holistic...
The Candida group of yeasts includes approximately 150 different species. One species, C. albicans causes between 70 and 80 percent of all infections by these yeasts, according to the Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. C. albicans normally...
Well-manicured hands are part of a good grooming regimen. Cuticles can dry, crack and split, the result of harsh weather and drying dish soaps. Daily care with cuticle oil can help restore the delicate area of the cuticle back to health. Some...
Toe infections typically cause pain, redness, warmth and swelling and may result from a cut, injury, ingrown toenail or other problem. The swelling may be severe enough to interfere with walking and daily functioning. Depending on the cause and...
Your red and swollen fingernail may be caused by an infection or an injury. If you have an infection, you may have an ingrown nail. Other causes of fingernail infection include exposure to irritants, nail-biting or a torn-off hangnail. Treat your...
An ingrown fingernail occurs when the side of the nail grows into the skin. An ingrown fingernail is usually painful. You may notice redness, swelling or pus pockets around the ingrown area. If the nail is infected or has grown far into the skin,...
The skin of human beings naturally harbors many different types of bacteria that are potentially harmful and can cause skin infections. Typically, infection only occurs when the immune system is not functioning at full capacity. Bacteria that...
The color and texture variations of your fingernails can indicate much more than the presence of brittle or strong nails. To healthcare professionals, these slight deviations and imperfections can be clues about your overall health and well-being....
Thymol is a component of oil of thyme, or Thymus vulgaris, and oil of oregano, or Oreganum vulgare. Thymol has powerful antimicrobial properties, including a demonstrated ability to fight a number of different fungi which can negatively effect...
Whether you enclose them in socks and shoes all day or spend a lot of time barefoot, your toenails are exposed to conditions that put them at risk for damage. One risks is a fungal infection, or onychomycosis, which can cause yellow, brittle...
The nails on your fingers and toes play an important role in protecting the sensitive skin of your nail plate. The cuticle is also plays an role by sealing the nail bed off from bacterial and fungal infections. Both structures are a common target...