How to treat paronychia?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 09, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
49sec home-news-image

How to trim an ingrown toenail with paronychia?

If paronychia occurs with an ingrown toenail, one must not cut the nail bed too short. It is advisable to visit a professional institution where local disinfection can be carried out, followed by surgical removal or wedge resection of the nail embedded in the nail bed. This helps to reduce the risk of infection and stabilizes the condition of paronychia, avoiding local contamination, formation of paronychia, secondary abscesses, suppuration, nail bed infections, and other serious issues caused by self-trimming. Thus, if one has paronychia or an ingrown nail, it is best to visit a formal hospital and have it treated by a doctor. If necessary, a nail removal surgery can be performed to completely and effectively cure paronychia.

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

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
52sec home-news-image

How to treat suppurative paronychia?

Paronychia is a bacterial infection that requires enhanced cleaning of the nail groove and administration of anti-infection symptomatic treatment. Rest, a light diet, and nutritional support are important. Oral or intravenous antibiotics should be used, with cephalosporins recommended. Additionally, combating anaerobic bacteria is necessary. This can be coordinated with surgical dressing changes and local treatment. Iodine disinfection may be employed, and incision and drainage may be necessary to promote pus discharge. Ichthyol ointment may also be used to help draw out the pus. During treatment, increased water intake and improved cleanliness and care of the nail groove are recommended, along with avoiding dirty water to aid recovery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
43sec home-news-image

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.