Paronychias

[Sam25]

My Mother had this she was under very intense pain. She could not move her right thumb and the side of her thumb-nail was swollen red. Near the nail there it was white. The doctor said she had 'Paronychias'. She had to undergo a surgery on her thumb and now on medicine (anti-Tetanus shot, painkillers, anti-biotic and vitamins). Also the doctor has told her to check her blood- sugar level again.

I was wondering what exactly causes this sudden inflammation and strong pain, is there a prevention so as it does not happen again?

 

[minendo]

Any disruption of the seal between the proximal nail fold and the nail plate can cause acute infections of the eponychial space by providing a portal of entry for bacteria.

Acute paronychia most commonly results from nail biting, finger sucking, aggressive manicuring, a hang nail or penetrating trauma, with or without retained foreign body3 (Figure 2). Sculptured fingernail (artificial nail) placement has also been shown to be associated with the development of paronychia.4 The most common infecting organism is Staphylococcus aureus, followed by streptococci and pseudomonas organisms. Gram-negative organisms, herpes simplex virus, dermatophytes and yeasts have also been reported as causative agents. Children are prone to acute paronychia through direct inoculation of fingers with flora from the mouth secondary to finger sucking and nail biting. This scenario is similar to the acquisition of infectious organisms following human bites or clenched-fist injuries.5

Good information here.

Does your mom do any of the above?