Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail of at least one finger or toe. It can be caused by bacteria or fungi and can be acute or chronic. Treatment options depend on the extent of the infection and whether it is acute or chronic. Here are some details on the treatments, ingredients, and materials used for paronychia:
Acute Paronychia Treatment:
- Warm water soaks of the affected finger 3-4 times per day until symptoms resolve are helpful.
- Oral antibiotics with gram-positive coverage against S aureus, such as amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin), clindamycin (Cleocin), or cephalexin, are usually administered concomitantly with warm water soaks.
- Topical antibiotics, with or without corticosteroids, may also be used.
Chronic Paronychia Treatment:
- The initial treatment consists of the avoidance of inciting factors such as exposure to moist environments or skin irritants. Keeping the affected lesion dry is essential for proper recovery.
- Mild cases of chronic paronychia may be treated with warm soaks, followed by completely drying the digit. The initial medical treatment consists of the application of topical antifungal agents. Topical miconazole may be used as the initial agent. Oral ketoconazole or fluconazole may be added in more severe cases.
- Topical anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, or calcineurin inhibitors are the mainstay of therapy for chronic paronychia. In severe or refractory cases, more aggressive treatments may be required to stop the inflammation and restore the natural protective barrier.
Positive Aspects of Treatment:
- Warm water soaks can help relieve pain and swelling.
- Topical antifungal agents can be effective in treating mild cases of chronic paronychia.
- Topical anti-inflammatory agents, steroids, or calcineurin inhibitors are effective in treating chronic paronychia.
Negative Aspects of Treatment:
- Antibiotics are commonly prescribed, but most patients do not require antibiotics for a simple paronychia.
- Chronic paronychia may require weeks or months of treatment.
- More aggressive treatments may be required in severe or refractory cases of chronic paronychia.
Ingredients or Materials Used:
- Oral antibiotics with gram-positive coverage against S aureus, such as amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (Augmentin), clindamycin (Cleocin), or cephalexin.
- Topical antibiotics, with or without corticosteroids.
- Topical antifungal agents such as miconazole.
- Oral antifungal agents such as ketoconazole or flu...
