Constant Fingernail Biting, Thumb Sucking Can Cause Whitlow – Expert

LAGOS – Mrs. Helen Ezeani of the Mosalasi Primary Healthcare Centre, Ejigbo, Lagos, has identified constant biting of fingernails, sucking of thumbs or fingers as major causes of whitlow.
Ezeani, who is the Chief Nursing Officer at the health centre, made the assertion in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Whitlow is the inflammation of the finger or toe, especially near the nail.
She explained that whitlow was a common infection among children who bite and suck their fingers and nursing mothers as a result of constant washing and cleaning.
According to her, whitlow is an infection that occurred at the side or the base of the fingernail or toenail caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
“When the hands and toes are constantly wet, it makes the cuticle, that is, the seal that protects the nail weak, broken and open to infections,’’ she said.
Ezeani further explained that excessive water weakened the cuticles, removing the protective skin oils and leaving the skin dry and more liable to split.
She said that whitlow could cause severe pain, itching, redness or swelling and small blisters on the affected finger or toe.
This could lead to fever and sleeplessness.
According to her, some whitlow infections could heal without treatment after two or three weeks, while some could even result to loss of the finger.
“There are no particular treatments for whitlow because in many cases it would heal after two or three weeks.
“But I would strongly advise that a healthcare provider be consulted to prescribe antibiotic treatment and some medications that can reduce the pain or the itching being experienced.
“Immediately such infection is noticed, the person should go to the hospital because if not properly managed, it can result to loss of such finger, nail or even the hand,’’ she said.
Ezeani, however, advised that mothers should stop their children from sucking or biting the fingernails and they should be careful when cutting nails so as not to cut the skin.
The wearing of rubber gloves if the hands are constantly in water could prevent infections.