What is the best treatment for paronychia?
Treatment options for acute paronychia include warm compresses; topical antibiotics, with or without corticosteroids; oral antibiotics; or surgical incision and drainage for more severe cases. Chronic paronychia is a multifactorial inflammatory reaction of the proximal nail fold to irritants and allergens.
How do you treat paronychia at home?
You may be able to treat mild cases of paronychia at home. Soak the infected area in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly. Soaking the cuticle and nailbed helps pus drain from under the skin.
How is chronic paronychia treated?
Treatment options for acute paronychias include warm-water soaks, oral antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage. In cases of chronic paronychia, it is important that the patient avoid possible irritants. Treatment options include the use of topical antifungal agents and steroids, and surgical intervention.
How long does it take to get rid of paronychia?
With proper treatment, an acute paronychia usually heals within 5 to 10 days. A chronic paronychia may require several weeks of antifungal medication. Even after proper medical therapy, a paronychia may return if you injure the skin again or forget to keep the nail area dry.
How can you tell if paronychia is bacterial or fungal?
No special test is required to diagnose paronychia. A health care provider can usually identify the condition by a simple visual examination. If there is pus or fluid in the blister, it may be analyzed in the lab to check for the type of bacteria or fungus causing the infection.
Will paronychia go away by itself?
Treating paronychia depends on how severe the infection is and whether it has started to spread. Often, soaking the infected nail in warm water for 20 minutes a few times a day will help it heal on its own in a few days.
How long does paronychia take to heal?
In most cases, an acute paronychia heals within 5 to 10 days with no permanent damage to the nail. Rarely, very severe cases may progress to osteomyelitis (a bone infection) of the finger or toe. Although a chronic paronychia may take several weeks to heal, the skin and nail usually will return to normal eventually.
Can paronychia last for years?
Paronychia is a common infection of the skin around the fingernails (the nail folds). ‘Acute paronychia’ is the term used for short-lived episodes; ‘chronic paronychia’ is used if it lasts for more than 6 weeks. The condition can last for months or even years.
Should I put a bandaid on paronychia?
Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.