The name by which it is commonly known is
turntable , the scientific term for it is
patereccio :
an infection of the skin fold around the nail , which can affect the latter or the fingertip; in the acute phase it involves redness and swelling of the skin, which becomes hot and is usually covered with a blister. When pressed, severe pain is felt at the base and sides of the nail, and
pus may ooze out. Finger whirling (which can affect
hands and feet alike) is classified by doctors as a mild and common ailment, but it is still advisable to intervene immediately when it appears: if neglected, it could extend to the rest of the finger and cause fever and swelling of the axillary glands.
THE CAUSES
Thumbs up can affect both children and adults. It is generally determined by
bacteria (staphylococci and more rarely streptococci) which filter under the skin in the presence of small lesions, but it can also depend on a
fungus , such as candida albicans, or on the herpes simplex
virus : in this case it tends to become recurring and takes the name of herpetic whitlow.
Biting the cuticles on the sides of the nails or the habit of
sucking the thumb (but also a clumsy manicure) can favor the penetration of bacteria, and therefore the whitlow. Children subject to
heavy sweating are more prone to infection.
HOW IS IT CURE?
For the gyno to heal quickly, it must be disinfected carefully and recurringly.
Compresses of warm water and salt are ideal, to be applied with sterile gauze for at least 10 minutes and 3 times a day, until complete healing. If there is pus, it is best to squeeze it out by pressing gently. If
within 48 hours the ailment does not go away (or does not improve visibly), if the child has a fever or the infection is very extensive, it is advisable to
contact the paediatrician : he will usually prescribe an
antibiotic ointment , to be penetrated slowly by wrapping the finger in cling film for a few hours. If the infection still shows no sign of disappearing, the pediatrician could suggest an
oral medicine : a specific antibiotic in the case of a bacterium, an antifungal if the cause is a fungus or an antiviral if it is a virus. Only when the infection is really serious could it be necessary to make a small incision, to be made in the clinic, to purge the pus; however, the operation is not indicated if the cause is a virus, since by affecting it it could spread to the rest of the body.
OTHER NATURAL REMEDIES
In addition to water and salt, which remains the preferred method for disinfecting the thumb, here are some other
useful, completely natural and do-it-yourself remedies :
■ Lemon. Cut it in half, pierce it in the center and insert the baby's finger for at least 30 minutes a day. You will get immediate relief.
■ Tea tree oil. Natural antibiotic and antiseptic, it should be applied to the finger in an oily solution composed as follows: 2 drops in half a teaspoon of sweet almond or jojoba oil. Cover with gauze and plaster and repeat the treatment 2 or 3 times a day.
Compresses of warm water and salt are recommended
■ Calendula. Dilute a few drops of mother tincture in water or prepare an infusion and then proceed with the compresses, several times a day.
■ Mallow. Also infused in this case, given the high anti-inflammatory power of the plant: once lukewarm, dip the child's finger directly into the liquid.
■ Linseed and rice flour. Finely chop the seeds and mix them with the rice flour and a little water, to form a cream: apply it on the affected finger for 15-20 minutes.
■ Arnica. Arnica ointment helps reduce swelling and pain; to be completely absorbed and reapplied frequently.
■ Mullein. Medicinal plant used since ancient times as an expectorant, diuretic and against hemorrhoids and varicose veins, it is also excellent for treating twisted fingers: boil the dry leaves in milk for 5 minutes and let them cool, then dip your finger directly.
■ Olive oil. More than a cure, it's a 'grandmother's' stratagem for preventive purposes for those suffering from recurring thumb curls: in fact, dipping your hands in warm olive oil softens the skin and keeps infections away.
By Duccio Scarpelli | Taken from Being Born a Mom
