How to treat an ingrown toenail that has become infected and pus-filled?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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.

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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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Can paronychia cause fever?

Paronychia can potentially cause fever. In the early stages of paronychia, the affected area typically becomes red, swollen, and painful. If symptoms become severe, systemic infection symptoms such as chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, and high fever may occur. For paronychia, if the local symptoms are not severe, anti-inflammatory ointments can be applied to the area, such as mupirocin ointment or erythromycin ointment. If symptoms are severe and fever occurs, oral antibiotics are necessary for treatment. If pus has formed, it is necessary to perform an incision and drainage to remove the pus, and regularly clean and change dressings to achieve effective treatment. Paronychia is generally caused by bacterial infections, predominantly by Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, one should not attempt to squeeze the infected area, as this can worsen the condition.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to remove granulation tissue from paronychia

For polyps caused by paronychia that repeatedly flare up and are quite obvious, surgical methods are necessary for complete correction. Surgical options include nail groove plasty and lateral nail fold incision, both of which are effective treatments for severe paronychia. If the polyp from paronychia is not severe, it can be treated with topical medications to shrink the polyp and reduce swelling. Commonly used medications include skin and mucous membrane disinfectants such as povidone-iodine, and continuous damp dressing with medical alcohol can be applied to further reduce swelling, which is beneficial for muscle atrophy. Highly concentrated saline solution or phenol can also be used for local scalding through continuous damp dressing. The growth of a polyp in paronychia indicates repeated inflammatory irritation, which leads to local proliferation, so it is essential to address paronychia promptly when it occurs.

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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 Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Can paronychia be treated by oneself?

Paronychia generally should not be self-treated. The occurrence of paronychia is usually related to improper nail trimming or improper removal of hangnails; some are caused by bacterial infections, while others are due to fungal infections. It is advised not to self-treat paronychia, especially if there is an abscess, as it requires proper medical treatment at a hospital. Improper handling can easily lead to worsening of the infection, and pus drainage treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor. If swelling and pain are significant, oral antibiotics might be necessary. In cases where there is no allergy to antibiotics, oral medications such as cefaclor sustained-release tablets or cefdinir dispersible tablets may be used. Attention should also be paid to the cleanliness of the affected area to avoid squeezing it oneself.