esrosedotblog

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

I have diagnosed myself as having a case of Paronychia!

This is an infection of the cuticle. I know. This is a picture of a toe but it was the only one I could find that came close to my minor ailment. You should see how bad this baby can get.

If you keep your fingernails short, you might get this routinely as I do. Well, routinely every 6-12 months or so.

Bacteria gets down in the little space of skin when you cut the nail too close. Make that "me" instead of "you".

I use the old Doc method of cure. Immerse the finger in concentrated salt water as hot as you can stand it for a few minutes a few times a day.

This opens up the little pustule that has formed and drains the infection out. Do not stop this with the first bust. Continue for a day or two.

Now, I read on the internet that immersion of the fingertip in white vinegar for 15 minutes will do the same. And your finger will smell like a pickle.

In either case, it is recommended that one put the antibiotic ointment on the site and keep it there for at least half an hour.

I have already busted my pustule three times. A nice feeling of accomplishment especially as it relieves the pain of the infection. Actually, the bust was the first time. The two others were more opening the hole already made.

I once had one of these cut by a surgeon friend. It is still prone to infection because of the scar that was left. Poor treatment option. Ask a surgeon about something and s/he will always want to cut. Don't let them. Not until the last minute just as you are going out.

Today, they don't cut for any infection of this type until the very last moment. The fear of reinfection is too great.

This isn't cancer or anything. Not a stroke. But it hurts like hell and needs relief.

As it happens most of what we worry about doesn't happen or, if it does, isn't half as bad as a toothache, an infected digit or a hemorrhoid. I am just saying. These are the true aches and pains of life.

Add to that plantar fasciitis which I now am getting some relief from. Either the arch supports are working or it is just going away. I stretch too. Who knows?

I suppose that I could go to a doc or the easy to get to and deal with Emergency Care place that we have here (not an emergency room in a hospital where you would get infected worse, all over) but I like to do it myself.

My Dad once sutured his own foot when he hit it with a chain saw. The doc who eventually saw him when it got infected said he did a good job. On the sewing part. A role model there, huh?

Labels: health