Definition
The patereccio is an "inflammation of infectious origin that affects the extremities of the fingers and toes.
Inflammation can involve both the more superficial structures of the finger and the deeper ones. In fact, there are three different types of patereccio: the superficial patereccio, the subcutaneous one and the deep one.
The patereccio usually occurs in an acute form, but, in some cases, it can also become chronic.
Causes
The patereccio is mainly caused by bacterial infections sustained by pyogenic bacteria, such as staphylococci or streptococci.
It can also be caused by fungal infections sustained by Candida albicans.
The microorganisms that trigger the inflammatory response - therefore the onset of the patereccio - live normally on our skin, or they can be carried by saliva and penetrate the fingers through small lesions, such as scratches or punctures.
Nail biting or finger sucking, frequent contact with soaps or harsh chemicals, and ingrown toenails increase the risk of patereccio.
Chronic patereccio can also be caused by pre-existing systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. In addition, patients with impaired immune systems are at an increased risk of developing the infection.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the patereccio consist of the typical signs of an inflammatory response, that is: redness, warmth, pain and swelling of the affected area (in this case, of the finger). Other symptoms that may arise are edema, pus formation, phlegmon, flittene, blistering and nail changes.
In severe cases, the infection can also spread to the deeper structures of the finger, causing conditions such as tenosynovitis or arthritis.
In immunocompromised patients and in patients who neglect inflammation, moreover, it is possible to witness a spread of the infection in other areas of the body and / or in the blood circulation (in the latter case, we therefore speak of septicemia) .
The information on Patereccio - Drugs and Care of the Patereccio is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Patereccio - Drugs and Care of Patereccio.
Medicines
The drugs for the treatment of the patereccio are chosen according to the microorganism responsible for the infection which - in turn - triggered the inflammatory response.
If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotic drugs will be used. If, on the other hand, the infection is caused by Candida albicans, antifungal drugs will be used.
In the most serious cases, however, pharmacological treatment may not be enough and it may be necessary to resort to incision and drainage of the wound.
Photo: paronychia, a type of superficial patereccio located near the nail.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against the patereccio and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic drugs are used when the infection is caused by bacteria, such as staphylococci and streptococci.
Generally, it is preferred to use antibiotics in the form of pharmaceutical formulations for cutaneous use. Among these, we remember:
- Gentamicin (Gentalyn ®, Gentamicina Hexal ®, Eutopic ®): gentamicin is an antibiotic belonging to the aminoglycoside class.
When used in the form of cream or ointment for skin use, it is recommended to apply the product 3-4 times a day, directly on the affected finger, until the symptoms improve. Thereafter, the frequency of administration can be decreased to once or twice a day.
Antifungals
Antifungal drugs are used in the treatment of the patereccio when the latter is caused by infections sustained by Candida albicans.
Compared to the patereccio caused by bacterial infections, that caused by fungal infections may require a longer healing time.
Among the antifungals that can be used to fight Candida infections, we remember:
- Fluconazole (Elazor ® gel, Diflucan ® gel): Fluconazole is an azole antifungal. When used in the form of a gel, it is recommended to apply the product once a day directly to the affected finger.
The duration of treatment is usually 1-3 weeks. For particularly resistant infections, therapy can be extended up to six weeks, according to the doctor's opinion. - Ketoconazole (Nizoral ® cream): Ketoconazole is also an azole antifungal. When used in the form of a cream, it is recommended to apply the product to the affected area once a day, for a period of 2-3 weeks.
However, the exact dosage of the drug must be determined by the doctor.
