What's wrong with my thumb? Pics

[Matt_N]

My thumb and nail have been like this for probably 5 years or so, I can't remember anything at the time that may have triggered it.

It's definitely got worse over that time and the lump seems to have gotten bigger over the last few months.

Google has thrown up a large number of nail complaints but none seem to match exactly.

Any ideas?

[HTP99]

Well if that had occurred over a few days I'd say infection of some sort and I'd be at it with a blade or pin, but 5 years, weird.

[Hoofy]

The lump is causing the nail problems. Get the lump sorted out and the nail will (probably) be fine again.

tl;dr: see a doctor.

[Matt_N]

Yeh I can't really remember what happened first, the lump or the nail.

It doesn't hurt, goes a bit red sometimes and the skin at the cuticle / thumb area sort of peels off every few weeks, hmm maybe I'm turning into a reptile.

[Bill]

SWMBO (a GP) says it's a chronic paronychia, so go see a GP for a swab and/or a course of antibiotics.

[Matt_N]

cheers Bill

[The_Doc]

Bill said:

SWMBO (a GP) says it's a chronic paronychia, so go see a GP for a swab and/or a course of antibiotics.

might need the knife

abscesses don't heal with antibiotics, it's Medicine 101

see a GP