What should one do to manage lesions around their fingernails and fingertips?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been getting lesions around my fingernails and fingertips. The lesions start as little white water blisters around my fingers and fingertips. They would be extremely itchy and then would get very sensitive and sore. If I scratch them, the skin around my nails gets very red, inflamed, and tender, and little lesions appear around the nails and fingertips. Parts of my nails then discolor and start crumbling, with a brownish tint and little red lines beneath the nail's surface. It starts at the nail bed and spreads through the nail. The skin gets very thick around the top of the nails. I use a Salmeterol and Fluticasone propionate Inhaler and Albuterol tablets for asthma. I have taken steroids for asthma in the past. I have tested the nail clippings for fungus. Sometimes the lesions calm down, but it never goes away. What should I do?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand your concern. You have chronic paronychia (a recurrent or persistent nail fold inflammation) that occurs due to fungal infection and dryness. I suggest you follow a few instructions mentioned below.

Keep your hand well moisturized by repeated application of petroleum jelly.
Avoid soaps and detergents. Only use dermatologically safe soaps.
Wear gloves while washing dishes.
Apply Clotrimazole cream and one percent Hydrocortisone cream mixed in equal parts on your fingers two times a day for a month.
Take oral antifungal medications such as Itraconazole tablets. Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them and take medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.