Medicine for paronychia nail infection

Paronychia affects the skin beside or behind a nail. It may cause redness, tenderness, swelling, warmth and sometimes pus. A sudden episode often follows a small break in the skin, nail biting, picking or a manicure injury. Repeated inflammation can be linked with frequent wet work, irritants or yeast.

A clinician checks the nail fold and fingertip for a collection that cannot be treated by cream alone. The appearance, duration and triggers help guide treatment. Do not squeeze or pierce the area at home, because this can extend the infection or injure the nail growth area.

Keep the finger clean and dry, protect it from detergents and avoid biting, cutting or pushing back the cuticle. Warm water soaks may ease tenderness for a short period when advised, followed by careful drying. Remove rings if swelling is developing.

A clinician may prescribe a topical or oral medicine when infection is present. Antibiotics are not useful for every swollen nail fold, and a yeast-directed treatment may be considered when the pattern is recurrent. A visible abscess may need a small procedure so it can drain safely.

Arrange medical review if swelling, pain or redness is worsening, pus is present, the problem keeps returning or the nail is changing. Seek urgent care for fever, red streaks, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, numbness or difficulty moving the finger.

People with diabetes, reduced circulation or a weakened immune system should seek advice early, because a small nail-fold infection can require closer monitoring. A clinician can also check for a deeper fingertip infection when pain is disproportionate or movement is limited.

Ask: Is this infection, irritation or yeast? Is there an abscess? Do I need a prescription, drainage or both? How should I protect the nail fold, and what symptoms mean I need a review?