How to deal with big toe paronychia on your own?

Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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The patient with an ingrown toenail managed it themselves, requiring minimized activity and elevating the foot to promote local circulation. Additionally, topical disinfectants such as iodine tincture can be used, not merely applied, but used for moist dressing. Take some cotton soaked in iodine tincture and apply it to the swollen area around the nail fold, generally recommending a five to ten-minute application. Antibiotic ointments can also be applied externally, such as mupirocin cream. After application, cover it for two hours, and treat it two to three times a day. If this method does not effectively alleviate the pain, consider taking antibiotics that have previously caused no allergies, with a preference for cephalosporins or penicillin-type antibiotics. If the antibiotics still do not effectively relieve the pain, it is advised to seek medical attention at a hospital. (Use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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Can paronychia heal by itself?

Paronychia cannot heal on its own; it definitely requires timely treatment at a hospital. If not treated promptly, the condition could worsen and may even necessitate surgical removal of parts of the nail bed or keratin. Upon detecting paronychia, it's important to first clean the affected area thoroughly. Applications such as iodine tincture can be used topically, and soaking in boric acid or alcohol is also possible. During recovery, it is advisable to avoid spicy and greasy foods. Additionally, it's crucial to quickly begin antimicrobial treatment. Antibiotics can be taken orally or administered via intravenous drip to treat the infection systemically, such as amoxicillin. Ichthyol ointment can be applied to the swollen areas, but any medication should be used following a doctor's prescription. During the treatment period, it is recommended to consume a diet high in protein and fiber, especially foods rich in vitamin C like kiwifruit and passion fruit.

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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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What should I do if the paronychia is draining pus at home?

Paronychia is mostly caused by nail ingrowth into the flesh or local trauma, and can be treated at home with topical povidone-iodine disinfection and mupirocin ointment application if pus appears. Additionally, oral cephalosporin antibiotics can be taken to help healing gradually. However, paronychia tends to recur frequently. Once it occurs, it is recommended to visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital to have the nail trimmed or to consider surgical treatment to prevent recurrence. It is also advisable to avoid wearing tight, cramped shoes to prevent trauma or crushing injuries. Once paronychia develops, the amount of local pus can vary; generally, quicker recovery can be expected once the pus is cleared. (Use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to treat paronychia?

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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Which department should I go to for paronychia?

Paronychia is an infectious, purulent disease that occurs when a fingernail or toenail embeds into the skin. This condition can relate to one's walking posture or wearing tight shoes and falls under the domain of dermatology for treatment. Treatment can be sought by registering with the dermatology department of a formal hospital. The most common treatment methods include initial oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. If these are ineffective, surgery may be required to clean and drain the pus. After recovery, the nail may be trimmed or removed and corrections enforced to prevent recurrence of paronychia. Additionally, proper shoe-wearing, walking, dietary, and lifestyle habits should be maintained. It is advisable to avoid wearing tight shoes, walking for prolonged periods, and consuming spicy and irritating foods.