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Paronychia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Infection - skin around the nail

Treatment:

If you have bacterial paronychia, soaking your nail in hot water 2 or 3 times a day helps reduce inflammation and pain.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In severe cases, your doctor may cut and drain the lesion with a sharp instrument. Part of the nail may need to be removed.

If you have fungal paronychia, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medicine. Keep hands dry and apply a skin-drying substance, such as Castellani's paint.

Expectations (prognosis):

Paronychia usually responds well to treatment, although fungal infections may last for several months. Complications are rare.

Complications:

Complications are rare, but may include:

• Abscess
• Spread of infection to tendons, bones, or bloodstream

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:

• Localized spread of symptoms
• Development of red streaks along the skin
• Fever
• Chills
• General ill feeling
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain

References:

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology . 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.

• Review Date: 4/12/2007
• Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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