What is the remedy painful cuticles due to paronychia?

Condition analysis:
You may be having chronic paronychia. Detailed Answer: Hi, Cuticle around nail is called nail fold. As your nail folds are painful, it means that you have infection in nail folds..called paronychia. As it is from long time, it is called chronic paronychia. There may be bacterial and fungal infection.The skin of nail folds is dry and bleeds easily, so you do not torn or prick the superficial layer of skin. You should undergo for blood tests..to rule out DM,HIV,anaemia,nutritional and vitamin deficiencies and other diseases. You should avoid excessive contact with water and detergents. And also avoid to torn the the skin of nail folds,as it may deform the nail plate...causing ridges on the nail plate. And constant rubbing the nail fold may discolor the area.And you should keep your hands as warm and dry as possible; you will not get better until you do this.

Wear gloves for any wet tasks, including shampooing and washing up.Avoid biting your nails, manicuring your nail folds, and pushing back the cuticles.Do not apply nail polish or cosmetics. You take treatment under supervision of dermatologist. Oral antibiotics and anti fungal tablets may be prescribed. Application of antibiotic and anti fungal cream may be needed. Frequent application of emmolient may be done to keep the area moist. After control of infection, steroid cream may be applied to cure the dermatitis. I hope you may be improved after long term treatment and regular follow up visits to your dermatologist. Still any query, you may ask.. Wishing you healthy life

Instructions:
Here are few home care measures that will help to alleviate pain, redness and discomfort caused due to paronychia.

1. Soak the affected finger in warm salt water for few minutes several times in a day. Alternately you can also apply warm compresses around the affected region. It helps to reduce pain and swelling. It also helps the pus to be drained naturally without any intervention of the instrument.

2. Apple cider vinegar: Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a bucket full of warm water. Soak your infected fingernail or toe nail in the water for 15 minutes. Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for paronychia caused by fungus infection. Apple cider vinegar is particularly useful for Candida infection.

3. Oregano oil: Take few drops of oregano oil and massage over the infected part. Oregano has antibacterial as well as anti-fungal properties. Regular application will enhance the healing of paronychia.