What is the first treatment for paronychia?

Paronychia is inflammation or infection in the skin next to a fingernail or toenail. The fold may be red, swollen and tender. A clinician looks for a collection of pus, nail damage, a retained splinter and factors such as nail biting or frequent wet work.

Mild inflammation without a drainable collection may settle with warm water soaks, protection and treatment directed at the suspected cause. Antibiotics for skin infection may be prescribed when bacterial infection is spreading or local care is not enough. A visible pus pocket often needs abscess drainage so pressure can escape.

Keep the area clean and dry between warm soaks, avoid cutting or pushing back the cuticle, and cover it if work exposes the finger to dirt or chemicals. Do not pierce the swelling yourself; an incomplete opening can worsen tissue injury or leave infection behind.

Tell the clinician if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced immunity or repeated episodes. These details can change the urgency and the choice between local care, antibiotics for skin infection and abscess drainage.

Seek prompt medical care if redness travels beyond the nail fold, pain becomes severe, pus is increasing, finger movement is limited or you develop fever. Urgent assessment is needed for red streaks, rapidly spreading swelling or a fingertip that becomes very tense and painful.

Is there a pocket of pus that needs drainage? Does this look bacterial, irritant or recurrent? Do I need antibiotics for skin infection, and how should I protect the nail fold during healing? Could my nail habits or work exposure be contributing?