Can paronychia heal by itself?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on May 05, 2025
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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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to deal with infant paronychia swelling?

If infants clearly have paronychia, it is imperative to take the child to a pediatric surgery department as soon as possible for wound treatment. The doctor will disinfect the wound. If the swelling is particularly severe and there is already pus deep within, it will also be necessary to incise and drain the wound for thorough disinfection and debridement. Once the infection is under control, the wound should be properly bandaged. The dressing should be changed every two to three days until the wound has completely healed, after which disinfection can be stopped. Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment at a pediatric surgery department and have the dressings changed professionally. Parents should not attempt to handle it by themselves.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
1min home-news-image

What is the best treatment for paronychia?

Paronychia has occurred, mainly due to infection of the nail groove or surrounding tissues. Minor puncture wounds, bruises, or injuries from cutting nails too deeply can all cause paronychia. When paronychia occurs, it is essential to control it promptly during the acute phase by using broad-spectrum antibiotics for treatment. This can include oral administration of amoxicillin, cefaclor sustained-release tablets, cefdinir dispersible tablets, etc. Topically, ichthyol ointment or mupirocin ointment can be applied for treatment. If symptoms do not improve, the most thorough treatment method is to promptly visit a formal hospital's surgical department for nail removal treatment. With paronychia, it is essential to avoid spicy and irritating foods in your diet, and do not attempt to squeeze the pus yourself, as it can easily lead to a worsening of the infection.

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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.

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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 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.