Possible infection following gel nails?

[noodlegum]

I've been doing my own gel nails at home for the last year or so. But the last two times the skin around my thumbs has got very sore. I first put it down to catching the skin on something and tearing it, but the latest episode has left me in agony. My thumb is red, swollen and weeping and making me weep anytime I touch it. Could it be infected?if so, how?

It could be an allergic reaction.
How neat are you at doing your nails? Does any of the products get in contact with the skin that is inflamed?

I am pretty neat, but I too was wondering about an allergic reaction. I haven't used any new products recently but also haven't been the best at caring for my cuticles so at first thought I had just snagged one. But the second nail is much worse. I suspect I will have to give up gel nails for now sadly

Oh and to clarify, I have not applied any product to my nails whilst my skin has been inflamed. Just Savlon

Sounds like it could be an allergy. I’d probably remove any polish you have on now leave it off for a good period of time and really lavish care on your hands and cuticles then try again being super neat and see if it flares up again

Hmm maybe not then.
Have you changed any other products in contact with your hands, cleaning products, washing powders, creams, lotions etc?

Strip everything back, wear rubber gloves if cleaning to really protect your skin then try nails again.

Thank you Chester, I'll follow your advice and see. It is so bloody painful and swollen, I will do anything. Wincing at the idea of the pain to remove the polish but for the best I guess!

It's quite common to become allergic to nail products that previously you've had no trouble with. Also undercuring can be a cause.

Ah just seen your latest post. Nothing has changed. I snagged the skin on one thumb and it became swollen, incredibly painful and swollen. Treated it with savlon and used plasters until it cleared up.

A couple of weeks later the same thing has happened to my other thumb but more discharge and swelling.

I was concerned that I wasn't moisturizing my cuticles enough so have now bought some cuticle cream

Thank you, I didn't know that Kool.

Just had another look at my nail and it is incredibly red under the nail bed, also seems to have a gap from the cuticle if that makes sense

It really is so frustrating! I genuinely would be gutted if I were to develop an allergy, sounds incredibly vain but nice nails really make me feel better.
Hopefully it’s not a permanent problem and once it clears up you can get back your gels.

You have paronychia, it is an infection and you probably need antibiotics.
Doing your own nails is a very bad idea, doing them yourself you cannot possibly get a good seal and water leaks underneath causing infections and possible fungal infections too. I used to do mine but have stopped now after all my nails went fungal due to water seeping underneath.

I think you need to see the GP. Yes you could need antibiotics or an antifungal treatment.

What is the discharge like? Even if it's clear, it could indicate infection. I would show my gp.

I believe that it may well be an allergy of some kind, all my fingers and thumbs are flaking, sore, red and weeping. I woke up today to find another red raw finger

It's paronychia as a pp has stated. Please go to your GP and get it properly treated.

I will try to get an appointment but it can take weeks at the moment as my surgery is very busy. I do have an excellent pharmacist nearby, is it worth asking his advice? Or is there anything I can do in the meantime whilst I wait for an appointment?

Get an emergency appointment or go to the walk in to get in looked at as needs treatment asap.

I had a similar issue with a nail and had to take antibiotics but for me it was just one nail and I was in so much pain! Poor you - hope you feel better soon.

My friend has just had two toe nails removed after getting an infection. She had her nails done by a mobile beautician. Chiropodist told her the woman's tools were most likely not being cleaned between clients 🤢
Agree with pps get yourself to the doctor. Best of luck noodle

It has been very painful but I had no idea it needed such urgent treatment. I’m such an idiot and never want to bother seeing my gp unless it is essential. I will ring first thing tomorrow.