Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Inflamed nail fold

With an inflamed nail fold, the skin beside a fingernail or toenail is red, swollen and painful. A small wound can cause an acute bacterial infection; prolonged moisture and irritation more often cause chronic inflammation. Pus or spreading inflammation needs assessment.

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With an inflamed nail fold, the skin beside a fingernail or toenail is red, swollen and painful. A small wound can cause an acute bacterial infection; prolonged moisture and irritation more often cause chronic inflammation. Pus or spreading inflammation needs assessment.

  • Redness, warmth and throbbing pain beside or under the nail.
  • Swelling of one nail fold or around the whole nail.
  • At the first signs of inflammation, briefly soak the affected area in clean warm water several times a day and dry carefully.
  • If possible, keep the hand or foot slightly raised to reduce throbbing and swelling.
  • Make an appointment for visible pus, marked throbbing pain or a tense swelling.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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