Does antibiotics for skin infection treat paronychia?

Paronychia affects the skin fold beside a nail. The area may become red, swollen, warm and tender, and pus may collect under the skin. Biting nails, picking cuticles, manicures, minor injuries and frequent water exposure can damage the protective barrier. Acute bacterial infection may respond to appropriate treatment, but medicine alone may not clear a sealed collection of pus. Longer-lasting irritation can involve yeast, dermatitis or repeated moisture, so it may need a different plan. A clinician can decide whether the nail fold needs drainage and whether an antibiotic is appropriate.

Keep the finger or toe clean and dry, avoid biting or cutting the cuticle, and pause manicures until the skin heals. Warm water soaks may ease discomfort for some people, but stop if the skin becomes more irritated. Do not pierce, squeeze or cut a swollen nail fold at home. Tell the clinician about diabetes, poor circulation, immune problems, an injury, or a bite, because these factors can change the urgency and treatment. Use prescribed medicine only as directed.

Seek prompt care when swelling is rapidly increasing, pain is severe, pus is trapped, or redness is moving up the finger or toe. Get urgent help for fever, red streaks, numbness, difficulty bending the digit, or colour changes. An infection near the fingertip pad, under the nail, or around a joint deserves timely examination, as deeper structures may be involved.

Ask whether the nail fold has a drainable collection, whether an antibiotic is needed, and how to protect it while it heals. Ask whether water exposure, cuticle trauma or a skin condition is contributing, what dressing to use, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent review.