Paronychia Health Dictionary

A popular term for PARONYCHIA.... whitlow

Candidosis (moniliasis) is an infection with the yeast, Candida albicans. It is encouraged by pregnancy, DIABETES MELLITUS, prolonged wide-spectrum ANTIBIOTICS or CORTICOSTEROIDS therapy, and is also seen in debilitated infants, the elderly and immunocompromised patients, e.g. those with AIDS/HIV. It may cause white patches in the mouth or vulvovaginal area (thrush) and a red vesicular and scaly rash in the ?nger clefts, beneath the breasts or in the groin or anogenital folds. Fingernail-fold infection causes chronic PARONYCHIA with secondary nail DYSTROPHY and may complicate RAYNAUD’S DISEASE. CLOTRIMAZOLE and similar ‘azoles’ as creams, oral gels or vaginal pessaries are rapidly e?ective, but severe systemic infections require oral itraconazole or even intravenous AMPHOTERICIN B.... candida

Disease may affect the nail fold, nail plate or nail bed (see SKIN – Nail). In?ammation of the nail fold is called paronychia: acute paronychia is usually caused by a minor injury allowing in bacteria, which set up infection; chronic paronychia is often an occupational hazard, due to constant exposure of the hands to water – for example, in the catering industry, agriculture and housework – but may also be caused by impaired circulation in the ?ngers. Often, ANTIBIOTICS are su?cient for treatment, but sometimes surgical incision is needed.

PSORIASIS is a common cause of disease of the nail plate, as are eczema (see DERMATITIS) and fungal infection (see FUNGAL AND YEAST INFECTIONS). Deformity of the nail may point to systemic disease, as in CLUBBING, or the spoon-shaped concave nails (koilonychia) of severe iron de?ciency. Acute toxic illnesses may temporarily disturb nail growth causing horizontal ridges (Beau’s lines) which grow out slowly.

Onycholysis is separation of the nail plate from its bed. It may be due to psoriasis of the nail bed and trauma, or may occur spontaneously. Gross thickening of nails is common in the toes, caused by psoriasis or fungal infection.... nails, diseases of

Nail loss. Paronychia. Clubbing. Brittle nails. Deformity (koilonychia). Spoon-shaped, as from iron-deficiency anaemia. A wide range of diseases affect the nails which, themselves, provide useful clues to underlying constitutional disturbance. Brittle and malformed nails are usually due to mineral deficiency. Ridging and grooving show altered nutrition and damage to the nail bed. Psoriasis nails are pitted.

Infections include candidiasis (monilia), ringworm, staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. Biting of fingernails reveals anxiety. Colour change and atrophy of nails may be caused by antibiotics, antimalarials, betablockers, gold and arsenic medicines, steroids, “The Pill”; requiring Eliminatives, liver, kidney and possibly Lymphatic agents.

For in-growing toenail – see entry.

Alternatives. General, internal. For antifungals, see: WHITLOW. Mineral-rich herbs for nutrition.

Teas: Alfalfa, Carragheen, Horsetail, Gotu Kola, Red Clover, Oats (for silicon salts), Plantain, Silverweed, Clivers, Dandelion.

Decoctions: Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Queen’s Delight.

Tablets or capsules: Alfalfa. Kelp. Bamboo gum.

Formula. Horsetail 2; Gotu Kola 1; Thuja quarter. Dose: Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Cider Vinegar, See entry. Efficacy recorded.

Topical. Alternatives:– Apply to the nail:

(1) Liquid Extract or Tincture Thuja. (Ellingwood)

(2) Blood root. (J.T Kent MD)

(3) Evening Primrose oil.

(4) Contents of a Vitamin E capsule.

(5) Tincture Myrrh.

Diet. Nails are almost wholly protein. High protein. Onions, Garlic, Soya products, Carrot juice, Cod Liver oil, Kelp.

Vitamins. A. B-complex. B6. B12. Folic acid.

Minerals. Calcium. Dolomite. Copper. Iron. Silica. Stannum, Zinc. ... nails

One of the digits of the hand. Each finger has 3 phalanges (bones), which join at hinge joints moved by muscle tendons, and an artery, vein, and nerve running down each side. The entire structure is enclosed in skin with a nail at the tip.Common finger injuries are lacerations, fractures, tendon ruptures, and mallet finger.

Infections such as paronychia can occur, and inflamed flexor tendons may cause trigger finger.

Congenital finger disorders include syndactyly, polydactyly, missing fingers, or a webbed appearance due to deep membrane between the fingers; other finger disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, Raynaud’s disease, and dactylitis (swelling) due to sickle cell anaemia.

Clubbing of the fingers is a sign of chronic lung disease or some forms of congenital heart disease.

Tumours of the finger are rare but may occur in chondromatosis.... finger

The foot has 2 vital functions: to support the weight of the body in standing or walking and to act as a lever to propel the body forwards.

The largest bone of the foot, the heelbone (see calcaneus), is jointed with the ankle bone (the talus). In front of the talus and calcaneus are the tarsal bones, which are jointed the 5 metatarsals. The phalanges are the bones of the toes; the big toe has 2 phalanges; all the other toes have 3.

Tendons passing around the ankle connect the muscles that act on the foot bones. The main blood vessels and nerves pass in front of and behind the inside of the ankle to supply the foot. The undersurface of the normal foot forms an arch supported by ligaments and muscles. Fascia (fibrous tissue) and fat form the sole of the foot, which is covered by a layer of tough skin.

Injuries to the foot commonly result in fracture of the metatarsals and phalanges. Congenital foot abnormalities are fairly common and include club-foot (see talipes), and claw-foot. A bunion is a common deformity in which a thickened bursa (fluid-filled pad) lies over the joint at the base of the big toe. Corns are small areas of thickened skin and are usually a result of tight-fitting shoes. Verrucas (see plantar warts) develop on the soles of the feet. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that mainly affects the skin in between the toes. Gout often affects the joint at the base of the big toe. An ingrowing toenail (see toenail, ingrowing) commonly occurs on the big toe and may result in inflammation and infection of the surrounding tissues (see paronychia). Foot-drop is the inability to raise the foot properly when walking and is the result of a nerve problem.... foot