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May 19, 2013
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Paronychia (Nail Infection) (cont.)

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Medical Treatment

If an abscess (pus pocket) has formed, the recommended treatment is to drain the abscess by doing an incision and drainage procedure.

  • Your doctor will most likely use a medicine (such as lidocaine) to numb the entire finger first and then will open the abscess using a surgical knife (scalpel).
  • Sometimes packing called a wick is placed in the abscess to allow it to continue to drain when you go home and to keep it from closing up and reforming the abscess. The packing is usually left in for 24-48 hours.
  • In extreme cases, infection can move under the fingernail and need partial or complete nail removal. Unless there is extensive cellulitis, antibiotics are usually not necessary.
  • Your doctor may or may not take a culture of the drainage to check for the type of bacteria involved in the infection.
  • After your doctor has drained the paronychia, warm soaks are still recommended. Usually, antibiotics are only prescribed if the infection involves more of the finger than around the nail bed. It is important to follow up with your doctor in 24-48 hours to be sure that the infection is healing properly.

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Paronychia (Nail Infection) - Treatment

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What treatment has been effective for your paronychia (nail infection)?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Paronychia »

A paronychia is a superficial infection of epithelium lateral to the nail plate.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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