How to treat paronychia of the fingernails

Jun 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My fingernails have been painful in the nail fold area for the past few days. The doctor diagnosed it as paronychia. How is paronychia of the fingernails treated?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
The treatment of paronychia (nail fold inflammation) mainly includes the following aspects: 1. Topical medications: Antibiotic ointments such as erythromycin ointment or fusidic acid cream may be applied to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. 2. Oral medications: If the inflammation is severe, oral antibiotics such as cephalexin capsules or amoxicillin capsules may be prescribed to enhance treatment effectiveness. 3. Injectable medications: If the infection spreads to surrounding tissues, intravenous antibiotics such as amoxicillin sodium for injection may be considered. 4. Infrared therapy: This is suitable for the early stages of the condition and helps to relieve pain and prevent infection. 5. Surgical treatment: For patients with abscess formation, incision and drainage may be performed to remove pus and alleviate symptoms. In certain cases, such as severe or recurrent infections, nail avulsion surgery may be required. During treatment, patients should keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid excessive trimming of the nails, and maintain good personal hygiene. Additionally, a balanced diet and enhanced immunity are important to promote recovery.