Related articles: Giradito
Definition
The girito or patereccio is an inflammation that affects the ends of one or more fingers or toes.
The site most frequently affected by this process is the distal phalanx on the side of the fingertip, which can be involved centrally, laterally or apically.
Also known as a paterecious, this inflammatory process is usually due to an infection with staphylococci (usually Staphylococcus aureus ), streptococci (pyogenic bacteria) or, sometimes, Candida albicans or herpes simplex virus .
These microorganisms are able to penetrate at the tissue level through small lesions (splinters, scratches, punctures, too aggressive manicure and / or performed with inadequate tools etc.) and are transported with saliva; nail biting, biting or sucking fingers can therefore predispose to infection. Once access to the tissues of these microorganisms has taken place, the body's natural defense reaction is to induce a local phlogistic response.
The liner can also result from an ingrown toenail or chronic irritation (eg prolonged contact with water and detergents).
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Most common symptoms and signs *
- Skin abscess
- Pain, heat, redness and swelling of the finger
- Articolar pains
- Muscle pains
- Edema
- Temperature
- blisters
- Pus formation
- onychomadesis
- Brittle nails
- blisters
Further indications
Typically, the young girl causes a throbbing and intense pain; the tip of the fingertip appears swollen, hot and reddened. These symptoms are often associated with the appearance of blisters containing an exudate of inflammatory origin (serous or purulent).
The liner can also cause alterations of the nails, which can come off their natural site or take on an unusual color (white or greenish-yellow, depending on the type of microorganism that caused the infection).
Septa between the pulp spaces normally limit the spread of infection, leading to an abscess, which creates pressure and necrosis of adjacent tissues. In the most severe cases, the inflammation can extend to the deep structures of a finger, reaching the underlying bone, joint or flexor tendons and causing osteitis, tenosynovitis or arthritis.
Sometimes, there is a risk that the infection may spread to other areas of the body or to the bloodstream (septicemia).
The lump is usually an acute process and evolves within a few hours. However, there may also be chronic cases in subjects with debilitated immune systems (eg patients undergoing organ transplantation) or suffering from diabetes mellitus or peripheral arterial disease.
The diagnosis of the kidnapping is basically based on the inspection of the affected area. Usually, no special investigation is necessary, but the doctor may decide to send a sample of liquid or pus to the laboratory to identify which pathogen is causing the infection.
The sample thus collected is subjected to culture examination, with antibiogram, to subsequently establish an adequate antibiotic or antifungal therapy. In the most severe cases, treatment may include incision and drainage of any pus collections.
In the case of a herpetic whistle, on the other hand, the use of acyclovir may be indicated.
