Symptoms your physician may observe Your doctor will probably take a culture of the affected area in case of an infection to determine whether a bacterium or a fungus is the cause. Depending on the cause of the infection, you may be given an antibacterial or antifungal medication. If the cause is some other disease, the underlying disease will be treated if possible. Injuries to nails are usually self-correcting, given time, but it may be necessary to protect a nail during a tender part of its regrowth. Stages and progress Bacterial infections of skin around nails usually appear quickly and tend to be painful.
Fungal infections advance more slowly but are more persistent.
Bacterial infections can spread all the way around the nail and then work their way under the nail as well. In advanced cases the nail may fall off and bacteria may even enter the bloodstream. Get medical attention promptly if you notice red lines leading away from an infected nail. Prevention Wearing rubber gloves whenever you will be getting your hands wet can help prevent infections of the skin around nails. Be sure to dust the inside of the gloves with talc or wear a cotton glove inside the rubber gloves.