How to manage paronychia on your own

Generally, paronychia is a common infection of the fingers or toes. Self-management mainly includes local cleaning and disinfection, relieving pressure from ingrown nails, avoiding irritation and proper nail trimming, physical swelling reduction and rest, as well as topical antibiotic application. Detailed methods are as follows:

1. Local Cleaning and Disinfection

Soak the affected area in warm water 1-2 times daily, each time for 10-15 minutes, to soften the nail and surrounding skin and promote blood circulation. After soaking, use a sterile cotton swab dipped in iodophor to gently wipe the nail fold and surrounding area 2-3 times daily, to kill local bacteria and prevent worsening of the infection. Avoid applying alcohol directly on broken skin to prevent tissue irritation and pain.

2. Relieving Pressure from Ingrown Nails

If inflammation is caused by an ingrown nail, after disinfection, a clean medical cotton ball or dental floss can be gently placed between the ingrown nail and the nail fold. Replace it once daily to gradually lift the nail and reduce pressure and irritation on the soft tissue. Also, avoid wearing tight shoes and socks to prevent worsening pain due to local pressure.

3. Avoiding Irritation and Proper Nail Trimming

When trimming nails, avoid cutting them too short or rounding the edges. Instead, trim them straight across, leaving a 1-2 mm white border to prevent the nail from growing into the nail fold. Do not tear off hangnails by hand; instead, cut them off cleanly at the base with scissors to avoid damaging the skin barrier. During the acute phase, avoid contact with detergents and chemicals to reduce local irritation.

4. Physical Swelling Reduction and Rest

When redness and swelling are evident, symptoms can be relieved by applying cold or warm compresses: wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply for 10 minutes for cold compress; use a warm towel for a warm compress to promote absorption of inflammation. At the same time, reduce activity of the affected area—for example, avoid prolonged walking, elevate the affected limb, and reduce local congestion and swelling.

5. Topical Antibiotic Application

For mild redness and swelling without pus formation, topical application of mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream can be used twice daily, thinly applied to the affected area, to exert antibacterial effects by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Wash hands thoroughly before application to avoid cross-infection. Continue use for 3-5 days and observe whether symptoms improve.

Mild paronychia may improve with the above methods. However, if symptoms such as significant pus formation, severe pain, or fever occur, this indicates worsening infection, and prompt medical attention is recommended, as incision and drainage or nail removal may be required. It is also recommended to develop proper nail-trimming habits in daily life to help improve symptoms.