Can paronychia heal by itself?

Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
Updated on September 11, 2024
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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 Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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How to treat paronychia when it becomes purulent?

Paronychia has already become suppurative and needs timely treatment. Patients can choose to use medications to clean the affected area, which can prevent the condition from worsening. Paronychia is not a very serious disease, but improper care or worsening of the condition can lead to suppuration and cause severe symptoms. It is considered that the condition may be caused by accidentally injuring the surrounding soft tissue when trimming nails or by wearing tight shoes. If the patient's condition is severe, it is best to go to a formal hospital for timely examination and diagnosis. The suppurative area can be incised, and anti-inflammatory medications can be applied to avoid severe local infections. During the recovery period, patients should maintain a light diet and avoid spicy foods.

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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 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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How is paronychia radically cured?

Paronychia is a purulent infectious disease caused by the repeated irritation of a nail embedding into the flesh, most commonly found on the big toe. If the purulent infection is severe, it may require incision and drainage. If the symptoms are mild, it may be treated with appropriate oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. To completely cure this condition, surgery is necessary to remove the nail embedded in the flesh and then use sutures to forcibly correct the placement. This can prevent recurrences in future life. Regular walking habits should be maintained without jumping, and wearing shoes that are too tight should be avoided. Dietary and lifestyle habits should also be regulated.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to treat paronychia in infants and toddlers?

If an infant has paronychia, it indicates that there is local damage and bacterial infection. In such cases, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. The doctor will thoroughly disinfect the area affected by paronychia, and for severe cases with abscesses, debridement may be necessary. Generally, if parents try to disinfect the child’s wound, they might not be able to adequately treat some deep infections. Therefore, it is still necessary to go to the hospital. After the doctor treats the wound, regular visits to the hospital for dressing changes are needed for a thorough treatment of the infant's paronychia. If the paronychia is severe and accompanied by a systemic infection, treatment under the guidance of a hospital doctor with antibiotics may also be required.