How to treat an ingrown toenail that has become infected and pus-filled?

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Paronychia with suppuration can be controlled by disinfecting the area with iodine and then applying anti-inflammatory ointments, typically mupirocin ointment or erythromycin ointment. If there is significant local swelling, it may be necessary to perform a lateral nail avulsion or nail removal under local anesthesia to ensure adequate drainage of the pus and control the infection effectively. After controlling the infection, for more severe cases of ingrown toenail deformity, it may require further correction of the nail and a procedure to reshape the nail groove to manage the inflammation and correct nail deformities. Treatment should also include oral antibiotics, taken under medical supervision, such as erythromycin tablets. Since paronychia with pus formation can easily lead to systemic infection, it is crucial to treat it aggressively.

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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 Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
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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.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can erythromycin ointment be used for paronychia?

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
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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 Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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Can paronychia heal by itself?

Paronychia cannot heal on its own; it definitely requires timely treatment at a hospital. If not treated promptly, the condition could worsen and may even necessitate surgical removal of parts of the nail bed or keratin. Upon detecting paronychia, it's important to first clean the affected area thoroughly. Applications such as iodine tincture can be used topically, and soaking in boric acid or alcohol is also possible. During recovery, it is advisable to avoid spicy and greasy foods. Additionally, it's crucial to quickly begin antimicrobial treatment. Antibiotics can be taken orally or administered via intravenous drip to treat the infection systemically, such as amoxicillin. Ichthyol ointment can be applied to the swollen areas, but any medication should be used following a doctor's prescription. During the treatment period, it is recommended to consume a diet high in protein and fiber, especially foods rich in vitamin C like kiwifruit and passion fruit.