$Unique_ID{BRK01457}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is "Paronychia" Something Serious?}
$Subject{skin nails paronychia subcutaneous tissue infections infection
fingernail hangnail infecting bacteria pus telephone phone sound amplifier
nail fingernails hangnails bacterial bacterium}
$Volume{L-20, A-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is "Paronychia" Something Serious?


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QUESTION:  My hearing is not what it used to be, and I am sometimes too
embarrassed to ask a question to clear things up.  However I would swear my
daughter told me over the phone that my that my grandson had suffered a
"parrot nick" that required a doctor's care.  But they don't have a parrot.
Is this something serious?  I am totally confused.  Please help.

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ANSWER:  Well, you had me confused too, so much so that I was going to bypass
your question.  While on the phone with a friend, I mentioned your letter and
when I heard him say "parrot nick" over the telephone, it suddenly became
clear.  Your daughter must have said "Paronychia," which is the name of an
infection that is located in the tissue around the fingernail.  It can start
with a break in the skin caused by a hangnail, or even a simple bang.
Infecting bacteria begin to multiply and a pocket of pus is formed.  It's
pretty painful, and should be treated with an appropriate antibiotic.  While
hot soaks or compresses to the area can help, frequently the pocket must be
opened with the point of a scalpel, to allow the purulent material to drain.
Generally that's all it takes, and your grandson may soon be back to his usual
activities without any need for you to worry further.  By the way, a simple
solution to your telephone hearing problems is to get a phone with a sound
amplifier.  There are rather inexpensive models available, and you would be
amazed at how much they help.  I was!

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.