Can erythromycin ointment be used for paronychia?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 22, 2024

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Erythromycin ointment can be used for paronychia. Paronychia is a disease where an infection occurs in the nail groove or the surrounding soft tissue. If left untreated, paronychia can develop into more severe conditions such as subungual abscess. Paronychia often results from injuries such as abrasions, puncture wounds, ingrown nails, or pulling out hangnails. Erythromycin ointment can be used as a topical medication for paronychia, but it is important to keep the affected area clean and dry.

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Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

43sec

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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 Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

54sec

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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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min

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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

54sec

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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 Jing

Dermatology

52sec

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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.