Nail Problems

Your symptoms could be due to a herpes virus infection of the nail (also called herpetic whitlow). These infections are particularly common among health care workers, or as a consequence of recent herpes outbreak in the lip or genital area spreading through a break in the skin near the nail. Some people with this have a fever and notice marked redness, finger swelling, and painful swelling in the elbow and armpit due to enlarged lymph nodes.

Herpes infections near a fingernail tend to get better on their own in a matter of weeks, but medications to prevent spread or additional bacterial infection may be recommended by your doctor.

It could turn out to be something else, so for all of these reasons, contact your physician now for evaluation!

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