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!

Would you like to learn more about this or other common causes of nail problems? Yes, I'd like to learn more! No, I'm all set, ready to quit, thanks.

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Online Medical Reviewer: LeWine, Howard MD Date Last Reviewed: 5/17/2006 Date Last Modified: 5/9/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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