Paronychia

Paronychia Prevention

To prevent paronychia, care for the nails and the skin around the nails properly. Avoid damage to the nails or the fingertips. Do not bite, or pick the nails. Because the nails grow slowly, damage can cause an injury that lasts for months. Protect the nails from exposure to detergents and chemicals by using protective rubber or plastic gloves, preferably with cotton liners.

To minimize the risk of damage to the nails, keep them smooth and trim them weekly. The toenails grow more slowly; trim them about once a month. For fingernails and toenails, use sharp manicure scissors or clippers for trimming and an emery board for smoothing the edges. The nails may be softer and easier to trim after bathing. Trim fingernails with a slightly rounded edge; trim toenails straight across and don't cut them too short.

Do not trim cuticles or use cuticle removers. Cuticle removers are corrosive and may damage the skin around the nail. Trimming the cuticle results in damage to the skin at the base of the nail and allows an entry point for fungi (and bacteria), which can result in infection.

Today's Top News Stories
•	Early Elective C-Sections Produce Complications - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00 Babies delivered at 37 weeks have double the troubles of those born at 39 weeks.
•	Gene Governs Response to Leukemia Chemotherapy - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00 Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is most common pediatric cancer.
•	Teen Birth Rate Up in 26 States in 2006 - Jan 07, 2009, 14:00 Highest rates in South, Southwest; lowest rates in Northeast, government reports.
•	Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 7, 2009 - Jan 07, 2009, 09:58 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Pediatric) Memory Loss
•	Study of Everest Climbers Questions Oxygen Use - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00 Whether low levels would work for ER patients with hypoxia remains unclear.