Paronychia
Alternative names:
infection of the skin around the nail
Treatment:
Treatment goals are to eliminate the infection and relieve the symptoms. Hot water soaks 2 or 3 times per day reduce inflammation and pain. Topical antibiotics or antifungal agents are used to reduce the infection. These may include over-the-counter or prescription medications, depending on the severity of the infection.
Expectations (prognosis):
Paronychia usually is superficial and responds well to treatment, although fungal infections may persist for several months. Complications are rare, but they occasionally occur.
Complications:
- abscess formation
- local spread of infection, including infection of the tendons and bone
- spread of infection to the bloodstream and throughout the body
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if paronychia symptoms persist despite treatment.
Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop:
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