Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin.There are symptoms such as redness, pain, and swelling around a nail.Acute and chronic forms of paronychia are almost always easy to treat.If you have acute paronychia, soaking the area in warm water a few times a day is the best way to go.If it doesn't get better in a week, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.Many areas are affected by chronic paronychia.It might take a few weeks to clear the infection if your doctor prescribes an antifungal ointment.
Step 1: Warm tap water can be poured into a bowl or basin.
Acute paronychia can be treated by soaking the area in warm water a few times a day.If you need to soak a finger or basin, use a bowl.The water should be warm but not too hot.Acute paronychia develops suddenly.It can affect a single finger or toe.throbbing pain around your nail is one of the symptoms.
Step 2: If your skin is broken, you should add salt or saline solution.
If you have a patch of red skin, warm water will do the trick.If you have a cut, you can add some salt to your water.If your skin isn't broken, you can still add salt.People enjoy soaking their feet in warm water.Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can slow healing, so don't use them to clean the area.
Step 3: It's a good idea to soak your finger or toe for 20 minutes a day.
If the water cools down before 20 minutes, add hot water to warm it up or replace it with a fresh bowl.Acute paronychia usually goes away after a few days of regular warm water soaks.Warm water helps the body fight infections by increasing blood flow.
Step 4: If you want, apply a bandage and petroleum jelly.
After soaking, dry off with a clean towel.You don't have to apply a bandage for mild cases.If your skin is broken, you can cover it with a bandage and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly.If you'll be working with your hands or exposing them to germy environments, it's wise to protect broken skin.Change the bandage when the water gets wet, such as when you wash your hands or take a shower.Use a cotton swab to apply something.After touching your skin with the swab, throw it away and don't dip it back into the container.
Step 5: You should keep your hands clean and avoid biting or sucking it.
It burns if you wash it with soap and hot water.It is important that you do not bite or suck your fingers while you are treating paronychia.Let your child know that they need to keep their hands out of their mouth or they won't get better if they follow instructions.Keep them from biting or sucking your fingers if they don't understand language yet.They might be recommended antibiotics by their doctor.
Step 6: If you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor.
If you have diabetes, you should have your doctor look at a nail infection before attempting to treat it on your own.Your doctor might recommend an antibiotic or antifungal medication if you have diabetes.
Step 7: If your symptoms don't improve after a week, you need to call your doctor.
If you have soaked the area for a week and the symptoms persist or get worse, your doctor might recommend antibiotics or an antifungal medication.You can schedule an appointment and have them look at the infection.They could order a culture to figure out the best treatment method.
Step 8: You should schedule an appointment if you have an abscess.
You should call your doctor immediately if you notice an injury.They will numb the area, make a small incision to drain the abscess, and then dress the wound with a bandage.Keep the area bandaged for 2 days if you change the dressing 2 to 3 times a day.A swollen mass is tender or painful to touch.If you don't have an abscess, your finger will feel swollen and throb.If you have an abscess, the swelling will be worse and it will feel like it's filled with something.It might start to come to a head as an abscess develops.Don't attempt to drain an abscess on your own.You could cause the infection to spread or expose the area to more germs.
Step 9: After having an anthritis, start warm water soaks.
Change the bandages daily for 2 days if you have had an abscess drained.After 2 days, remove the bandage, and soak the area in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, until your symptoms improve.You might not need a bandage after 2 days.After soaking, bandage your broken skin to protect it.Bandaging until the wound has closed is what you should do.
Step 10: If your doctor recommends antibiotics, ask.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the culture results, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics.According to their instructions, take any prescriptions.Even if you feel better, keep taking your medicine.If antibiotics are stopped early, an infection could return.
Step 11: Ask your doctor if you need to take an antifungal medication.
Multiple fingers or toes can be affected by chronic paronychia.Boggy or moist skin is one of the symptoms.A culture and other tests are likely to be ordered by your doctor.They will prescribe a medication based on their findings.The doctor will usually prescribe a cream that will be applied to the affected areas 2 to 3 times per day.You should always take your prescriptions according to your doctor's instructions.It could take several weeks for the infection to clear.Your doctor might prescribe more than one medication if you have a lot of infections at the same time.
Step 12: You should keep your hands dry.
Before applying an antibiotic, you should wash your hands.When exposed to water, dry your hands thoroughly.Try to keep them away from the water.Keep your hands away from your face and mouth.
Step 13: If you have to work with things, wear gloves.
It is difficult to avoid exposure to water and cleaning agents in occupations such as bartending, dishwashing, and house cleaning.If your hands are constantly wet or exposed to chemicals, you need to protect them.If possible, wear cotton gloves or rubber gloves to absorb water and chemicals.You have to wear gloves while you experience symptoms.It is a good idea to wear them whenever your hands are exposed to chemicals.Future occurrences of chronic paronychia will be prevented by this.
Step 14: Discuss the options if necessary.
If the infection has spread beneath your nail beds, you may need minor surgery.Your doctor may have to remove part or all of the nail to make room for the new one.After nail removal, you need to rest and avoid using your toe or finger.To prevent bleeding and throbbing, try to keep it raised above your heart level.According to your doctor's instructions, take prescription or over the counter pain killers.Change the dressing after 1 to 7 days.Your doctor will tell you how long to keep the bandage in place and how to change it.