My child has whitlow: what to do?

What is a whitlow?

“The whitlow, in children, should not be neglected since it is the infection of the finger or the toe by a bacterium, in general a Staphylococcus aureus », Explains the pediatrician. The panaris is located on the circumference of thenail, under the nail or the pulp of the finger, and appears a few days after a small injury. It could be a scratch caused by the bottom of a door, a fall on a stone, the use of a nail clipper… “The skin is no longer a barrier to germs, and staphylococci, very widespread in nature, penetrate there and nestle in the folds of children’s fingernails, ”adds Dr Edwige Antier.

How to recognize a whitlow?

Who treats a panaris?

The panaris manifests itself by a inflammation of the skin of the finger, on pulp or nail contour, accompanied by a throbbing pain. “The small blood capillaries transport the white blood cells of defense to neutralize the intruder by antibodies, then by phagocytizing them (devouring them)”, explains Dr. Edwige Antier. The child usually feels a pain and complains about it. ” It is necessary that disinfect early this little inflammation by antiseptic baths, several times a day. Your child’s doctor may decide, depending on the stage of the inflammation, whether to give antibiotics chosen for their anti-staphylococcal action against panaris », Explains Dr Edwige Antier.

How to treat a whitlow?

Which antibiotic to treat a whitlow?

“When the finger is just inflamed around the nail – a lesion called ‘perionyxis’ – the assault can heal, with a disinfection rigorous until its disappearancen, followed by a new consultation to the doctor after 48 hours to make sure that everything is fine, ”explains the pediatrician. “Because if you neglect this treatment, in a few days the white blood cells will die in battle and a yellowish pus pocket will swell under the skin. It is said that the panaris “Collects itself”, the abscess has formed. It will then be necessary to show the panaris to surgeon which, by incising and cleaning it, can still prevent the infection from spreading deeper to the phalanx bone. It can happen quickly in the tiny fingers of children, and the staphylococci love their bones! », Warns the pediatrician.

How to prevent the appearance of a whitlow?

How to avoid a whitlow in children?

• Do not try to “disembody” the nails soft infants, which will make their way on their own as they harden.
• Do not cut flush nails children.
• Use small scissors personal to the child, regularly disinfected.
• Put small slippers to infants so that their toes are well protected.
• Block them portes that can crush fragile little fingers.
• In summer, instead of sandals, prefer light canvas shoes with covering reinforcements for the toes.
• Wash sneakers regularly, avoid sweat feet to avoid the panaris