How to treat paronychia?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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The treatment of paronychia begins with identifying the cause, which predominantly is due to bacterial infection of the nail groove and surrounding tissues, leading to an inflammatory response. Therefore, to effectively treat paronychia, it is essential to combat the infection and apply or take some anti-inflammatory medications. Additionally, if pus formation occurs, proper drainage is necessary. After developing paronychia, it is advised against self-medicating or performing incisions to drain pus; instead, treatment should be sought from a dermatologist or a surgeon.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Can paronychia heal by itself?

Paronychia, if not severe, generally heals on its own. There are many causes of paronychia, which is usually induced by bacterial or fungal infections. Most patients can recover by themselves, but for recurrent paronychia, it is important to identify the triggers and causes, and take the corresponding symptomatic treatment. For bacterial infections, active anti-infection treatment should be taken, such as applying Mupirocin ointment or Fusidic acid cream locally. If it is caused by a fungal infection, antifungal treatment is needed, such as applying Oxiconazole nitrate ointment or using Compound Ketoconazole cream, etc. It is important to maintain local skin hygiene to prevent the condition from worsening, leading to pus formation or nail loss. (Use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can you use vinegar for soaking your feet when you have paronychia?

Paronychia is an infectious disease characterized by the nail embedding into the flesh, leading to a purulent infection. This condition has a strong recurrence rate and is somewhat related to one's walking posture or frequently wearing shoes that are too tight. During treatment, soaking in vinegar does not have a direct therapeutic effect and should generally be avoided. Topically, iodine can be used for disinfection, and oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications can be used for treatment. The most common and thorough treatment method is to undergo a minor surgery at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital, where the nail is forcibly corrected to prevent future embedding and recurrence of the disease. It’s advisable to avoid wearing shoes that are too tight, and in cases of severe purulent infection, it's best to undergo minor surgery to drain the pus. Avoid spicy and stimulating foods and try not to stay up late.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to determine if you have paronychia

To determine if it's paronychia, first there will be obvious swelling, pain around the nail, and sometimes exudation. Paronychia is usually caused by the penetration of a foreign object under the nail, or by trimming the nails too short. If the nails are trimmed irregularly and become embedded in the nail bed, this can also lead to paronychia. If there is obvious swelling, pain, and tenderness around the nail, paronychia should be considered. Paronychia is usually related to ingrown nails. For mild ingrown nails, topical application of iodine can gradually alleviate the paronychia. In cases of severe paronychia, it is necessary to visit a hospital where a doctor can perform a nail removal and also change dressings timely. Significant pain may require oral antibiotics treatment or intravenous antibiotics. During treatment, avoid alcohol and spicy, irritating foods.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can erythromycin ointment be used for paronychia?

Erythromycin ointment can be used for paronychia. Paronychia is a disease where an infection occurs in the nail groove or the surrounding soft tissue. If left untreated, paronychia can develop into more severe conditions such as subungual abscess. Paronychia often results from injuries such as abrasions, puncture wounds, ingrown nails, or pulling out hangnails. Erythromycin ointment can be used as a topical medication for paronychia, but it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to treat an ingrown toenail that has become infected and pus-filled?

Paronychia with suppuration can be controlled by disinfecting the area with iodine and then applying anti-inflammatory ointments, typically mupirocin ointment or erythromycin ointment. If there is significant local swelling, it may be necessary to perform a lateral nail avulsion or nail removal under local anesthesia to ensure adequate drainage of the pus and control the infection effectively. After controlling the infection, for more severe cases of ingrown toenail deformity, it may require further correction of the nail and a procedure to reshape the nail groove to manage the inflammation and correct nail deformities. Treatment should also include oral antibiotics, taken under medical supervision, such as erythromycin tablets. Since paronychia with pus formation can easily lead to systemic infection, it is crucial to treat it aggressively.