How effective are antibiotics for paronychia?

Paronychia affects the skin beside or beneath a nail and may cause redness, tenderness, swelling or visible pus. Mild infection can sometimes be managed with local care and a clinician-selected treatment. If pus has collected, medicine alone may not release the pressure. Repeated or persistent nail-fold inflammation can also have causes other than a straightforward bacterial infection, so the treatment needs to match the finding.

Follow the prescribed antibiotic instructions and keep the area clean and dry between any recommended soaks. Do not bite cuticles, pierce the swollen skin, or try to drain it with a sharp object. Protect the finger from detergents and repeated wet work, and use gloves when appropriate. Avoid applying leftover creams because irritation or the wrong medicine can obscure the problem.

Arrange an assessment if pain or swelling is increasing, pus is visible, redness is moving beyond the nail fold, or the finger is difficult to bend. Seek prompt care for fever, red streaks, marked swelling, or feeling unwell. A clinician should review recurrent paronychia or symptoms that do not settle with the advised plan.

Ask whether the swelling contains a drainable collection, whether an antibiotic is needed, and how long to use the prescribed treatment. Ask how to protect the nail fold from water, chemicals and picking while it heals.