What to use for swelling of paronychia?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Paronychia, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain, can be treated by applying iodine tincture for local disinfection and cleansing, which helps reduce swelling. Under a doctor’s guidance, anti-inflammatory ointments such as compounded polymyxin B, fusidic acid cream, or mupirocin ointment can also be applied. For severe redness, swelling, and pain, oral antibiotics may be administered in conjunction with the treatments mentioned above to reduce inflammation. It is important to follow a medically supervised and proper regimen when using antibiotics and to increase water intake during treatment. If the paronychia is caused by an ingrown nail piercing into the nail fold, trimming the nail may relieve the local swelling and pain. It is recommended to seek treatment at a professional hospital. Paronychia is a common condition, and taking preventive measures can help avoid its onset.

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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 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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat paronychia by yourself?

Paronychia is a purulent infectious disease formed when the nail embeds into the flesh. If the infection is in the purulent stage, it can be appropriately treated at home. After disinfection with iodine, use a needle to puncture and clean out the pus and blood. If the paronychia infection is severe, it is advised to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital for a minor surgery. This disease has a tendency to recur. It can be permanently resolved by removing the nail and performing a forced correction on the affected area. To prevent recurrence, try not to wear shoes that are too tight and avoid prolonged walking, as the disease is related to one's walking posture and footwear.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to treat paronychia

For acute paronychia, broad-spectrum antibiotics are mainly used for topical application. Options include mupirocin ointment, fusidic acid cream, or erythromycin ointment for symptomatic treatment. At the same time, it is important to wear loose shoes to avoid squeezing the foot and worsening the symptoms. If there is no improvement in symptoms after three days of using topical medications, surgical treatment may be considered based on the specific situation. For chronic paronychia, antibacterial or antifungal medications may be used. Medication should be gradually discontinued after the inflammation has subsided. During treatment, keep the affected area dry and avoid contact with water. Paronychia refers to an infection of the tissue surrounding the nail, typically presenting with localized swelling and pain.