How to effectively treat paronychia
Disease description:
Recently, my paronychia has flared up again. I would like to know how to treat paronychia effectively?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Paronychia is an inflammation caused by infection of the skin folds around the toenail (or fingernail). The treatment methods for paronychia mainly include the following aspects:
1. Local treatment: Mild cases of early-stage paronychia can be relieved by soaking in warm water, local disinfection (e.g., using iodophor), and applying antibiotic ointment. Keeping the affected area clean and dry is also important.
2. Oral medications: Antibiotics such as cefalexin capsules or amoxicillin capsules may be prescribed to combat bacterial infection and reduce inflammation.
3. Surgical treatment: If the abscess is large, incision and drainage may be performed. For cases involving subungual abscess or ingrown nails, nail removal may be necessary.
4. Preventive measures: Avoid wearing tight-fitting shoes, trim toenails regularly, avoid injuring the edges of the nails, and maintain good foot hygiene to effectively prevent the occurrence of paronychia.
During treatment, patients should keep the affected area clean and dry, avoid wearing tight shoes and socks, and pay attention to dietary adjustments, avoiding spicy or irritating foods. Additionally, it is important to trim nails properly in daily life and avoid excessive trimming or aggressive tearing of the nails.
