How to treat paronychia

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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 Liu Jing
Dermatology
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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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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 Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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How to treat paronychia when it becomes purulent?

Paronychia has already become suppurative and needs timely treatment. Patients can choose to use medications to clean the affected area, which can prevent the condition from worsening. Paronychia is not a very serious disease, but improper care or worsening of the condition can lead to suppuration and cause severe symptoms. It is considered that the condition may be caused by accidentally injuring the surrounding soft tissue when trimming nails or by wearing tight shoes. If the patient's condition is severe, it is best to go to a formal hospital for timely examination and diagnosis. The suppurative area can be incised, and anti-inflammatory medications can be applied to avoid severe local infections. During the recovery period, patients should maintain a light diet and avoid spicy foods.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to determine if you have paronychia

To determine if it's paronychia, first there will be obvious swelling, pain around the nail, and sometimes exudation. Paronychia is usually caused by the penetration of a foreign object under the nail, or by trimming the nails too short. If the nails are trimmed irregularly and become embedded in the nail bed, this can also lead to paronychia. If there is obvious swelling, pain, and tenderness around the nail, paronychia should be considered. Paronychia is usually related to ingrown nails. For mild ingrown nails, topical application of iodine can gradually alleviate the paronychia. In cases of severe paronychia, it is necessary to visit a hospital where a doctor can perform a nail removal and also change dressings timely. Significant pain may require oral antibiotics treatment or intravenous antibiotics. During treatment, avoid alcohol and spicy, irritating foods.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How to treat paronychia?

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.