Having Infection In Hands, Around Finger Nails. Not Painful And Itching But Skin Peeling Off. Suggest?

Posted on Sat, 31 Aug 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 31 Aug 2013 Answered on

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : my wife is having infection in her hands. its around her finger nails. it is not itching nor paininf. but skin seems to be peeling off.

Answered by Dr. Mohammed Kappan (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Paronychia

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

I have seen the image uploaded. It looks to me like fungal infection at the nail base. These are known as paronychia.

I would advise my patients usually to do the following.
- Avoid using any nail polish, artificial nail etc.
- Soak the affected hand 2-3 times daily in warm salt water.
- Use ketoconazole cream on the affected areas.

If the symptoms does not come down in 1-2 weeks, please visit a dermatologist for an evaluation and treatment.

Hope this addresses your concern. let me know if I could be of further assistance.

Thanks & Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan