Can you use vinegar for soaking your feet when you have paronychia?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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 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.

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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 Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Which department should I go to for paronychia?

Paronychia is an infectious, purulent disease that occurs when a fingernail or toenail embeds into the skin. This condition can relate to one's walking posture or wearing tight shoes and falls under the domain of dermatology for treatment. Treatment can be sought by registering with the dermatology department of a formal hospital. The most common treatment methods include initial oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications. If these are ineffective, surgery may be required to clean and drain the pus. After recovery, the nail may be trimmed or removed and corrections enforced to prevent recurrence of paronychia. Additionally, proper shoe-wearing, walking, dietary, and lifestyle habits should be maintained. It is advisable to avoid wearing tight shoes, walking for prolonged periods, and consuming spicy and irritating foods.

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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 Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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How to deal with big toe paronychia on your own?

The patient with an ingrown toenail managed it themselves, requiring minimized activity and elevating the foot to promote local circulation. Additionally, topical disinfectants such as iodine tincture can be used, not merely applied, but used for moist dressing. Take some cotton soaked in iodine tincture and apply it to the swollen area around the nail fold, generally recommending a five to ten-minute application. Antibiotic ointments can also be applied externally, such as mupirocin cream. After application, cover it for two hours, and treat it two to three times a day. If this method does not effectively alleviate the pain, consider taking antibiotics that have previously caused no allergies, with a preference for cephalosporins or penicillin-type antibiotics. If the antibiotics still do not effectively relieve the pain, it is advised to seek medical attention at a hospital. (Use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)