The role of ichthammol ointment in the treatment of paronychia

Jun 18, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I've developed paronychia on my fingers, and it's somewhat painful. I'm considering using ichthammol ointment for treatment. Can ichthammol ointment help with paronychia?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Ichthammol ointment is highly effective in treating paronychia. The main ingredient, ichthammol, possesses disinfectant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively relieving symptoms of paronychia such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Application of ichthammol ointment promotes the resolution of inflammation, controls its spread, and thereby accelerates the healing process of paronychia. Specifically, ichthammol ointment can: 1. Disinfect and prevent infection: Kill bacteria and prevent the worsening of infection. 2. Reduce inflammation and relieve pain: Alleviate pain and inflammatory responses caused by paronychia. 3. Inhibit bacterial growth and inflammation: Suppress bacterial proliferation and inflammatory progression, thereby reducing symptoms and promoting recovery. If paronychia has progressed to an abscess stage, timely surgical intervention is required, and the use of ichthammol ointment should be avoided at this point. When used under medical guidance, ichthammol ointment can effectively treat paronychia and alleviate associated symptoms.