Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the fingernails and toenails, often caused by bacteria or a type of yeast called Candida. Bacteria and yeast can interact together to cause a single infection. Depending on the cause of the infection, paronychia may develop slowly and last for weeks, or appear suddenly and last only a few days. Paronychia symptoms are easy to recognize, and it can usually be treated easily and effectively, with minimal or no damage to the skin and nails. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can become severe and result in partial or complete loss of the nail. In this article, we will review  Dalili Medical, everything you need to know about paronychia.

**How ​​to treat a paronychia?**

 

A paronychia can be treated with oral antibiotics and topical antibacterial creams, in addition to taking an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.

**How ​​do I treat a stye at home?**

 

Stye can be treated in many ways, including taking some painkillers and using home remedies such as baking soda, apple cider vinegar, honey, and other various natural remedies.

**How ​​can I remove pus from my finger?**

 

The accumulation of pus in the finger can cause many problems and pain. It can be removed using various home recipes, such as a paste made of sugar, flour, and water, which is placed on the finger. It is also recommended to use any type of antibiotic.

**Can garlic treat a stye?**

 

Garlic is considered an effective natural remedy for a stye, also known as a stye. This can be achieved by mixing garlic with cumin, and egg whites can be added to the mixture. These ingredients are mixed and applied directly to the finger, and the recipe can be enhanced by adding olive oil.

**How ​​long does a stye last?**

 

The infection can last from several hours to several days, and in cases of chronic infection, it may extend for a period of up to weeks.

**How ​​to treat nail fungus using herbs?**

 

Turmeric paste or crushed garlic, in addition to lemon, can be used as effective treatments.

**Can hot water be used to treat a nail fungus?**

 

Yes, the nail fungus can be soaked in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes, then dried. It is recommended to repeat this process three times a day.

**Is honey useful in treating a fungus?**

 

Yes, honey is effective when used orally or topically on the nail fungus area, as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which also helps relieve pain.

What is a fungus?

 

A fungus is a type of inflammation that affects the skin surrounding the nails, and can affect the fingernails and toenails. A fungus appears either acutely or chronically:

• Acute form: It develops suddenly and quickly, usually within a day or two, and the symptoms are clear and severe. Bacteria are the main cause of this type of infection, as there are certain types of bacteria known to be responsible for acute paronychia, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, and others.

• Chronic form: It appears gradually and slowly, as symptoms take longer to appear, which may reach several weeks. In this type, symptoms are less severe and clear, and fungi are the main factor behind its occurrence, the most important of which are yeasts and Candida albicans. There may also be an overlap between the two factors, leading to a mixed infection (bacterial and fungal), which may make the treatment process difficult.

**Expected recovery time from paronychia**

 

The duration of paronychia depends on its type. However, with appropriate treatment, acute paronychia usually heals within 5 to 10 days. Chronic paronychia may require several weeks of antifungal medications. Even after proper medical treatment, paronychia can return if you injure your skin again or forget to keep your nail area dry.

How common is paronychia?

 

Paronychia is a common nail condition that can affect anyone, but it’s more common in people who:

- Are exposed to irritants: Detergents and other chemicals can irritate your skin, causing inflammation and damage to the skin around your nails. People who handle chemicals without wearing protective gloves are at higher risk.

- Bit or pick their nails. Nail biting can cause small cracks or cuts in your skin. Bacteria can enter through these small cuts, causing infection.

- Have skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

- Work in environments that require contact with water, such as bartenders and dishwashers, where their hands are wet for long periods of time during the day.

**What causes nail fungus?**

 

When the skin around the nail is injured, it becomes more susceptible to bacteria and contamination, which can lead to inflammation and the appearance of nail fungus. The following factors contribute to its occurrence:

. **Acute fungus** usually occurs as a result of bacteria entering the area around the nail due to some type of trauma. This can be caused by biting nails, using nail art tools incorrectly, or pushing the excess skin down forcefully, in addition to other types of similar injuries.

. **Chronic fungus** The main causative agent of chronic fungus is often Candida yeast, but there can also be bacteria. Since yeasts grow well in moist environments, this infection often occurs as a result of the hands or feet being exposed to water for long periods.

- Ingrown skin around the nail.

- Frequent finger sucking.

- Excessive nail clipping.

- Transmission of infection to the nail during nail care sessions in beauty centers.

- Ingrown toenail, where the nail becomes embedded in the flesh as it grows.

- Excessive exposure to water and moisture.

- Fungal infection of the nail.

**TypesParonychia**

There are two main types of paronychia, which are as follows:

. **Acute paronychia** This type of infection appears over a period ranging from several hours to several days. Acute paronychia does not extend deep into the finger, and can be treated quickly with appropriate medications.

. **Chronic paronychia** This type of infection develops slowly, and continues with the patient for at least 6 weeks without any noticeable improvement. Chronic paronychia is usually more serious than acute paronychia. In some rare cases, the infection may spread to affect other fingers or toes.

**Symptoms of paronychia**

The symptoms of acute and chronic paronychia are very similar, but they can be distinguished by the speed of onset of infection and its duration. Chronic infections develop slowly and last for several weeks, while acute infections develop quickly and do not last for a long time. Symptoms common to both types may include:

- Redness of the skin surrounding the nails.

- Thinning of the skin around the nails.

- The appearance of pus-filled blisters.

- Changes in the shape, color, or texture of the nails.

- Nail separation.

If the condition is not treated, the nail may begin to grow abnormally, causing ridges or ridges. It may also turn yellow or green in color, and may become dry and brittle. In some cases, the nail may separate and fall off.

**Risk factors:**

Some people are more likely to develop paronychia than others, including:

- Women

- People with diabetes.

- People whose hands are frequently exposed to moisture, such as cleaners.

- People with other skin conditions, such as dermatitis.

- People with a weakened immune system.

**How ​​can I prevent paronychia?**

 

Good hygiene is essential to preventing paronychia of all types. So, make sure to keep your hands and feet clean to prevent bacteria from getting between your nails and your skin.

Avoiding trauma from biting, nail biting, or manicures or pedicures can help reduce the risk of acute infections.

To prevent chronic infections, avoid excessive exposure to water and moist environments, and try to keep your hands and feet as dry as possible.

Use a mild soap that does not irritate your skin, and apply a moisturizer to the nail fold and cuticle area if your skin is dry, as excessive dryness can lead to cracking of the skin. It is also preferable to wear waterproof gloves when handling chemicals, to avoid keeping your hands wet for long periods.

If you suffer from diabetes, make sure to keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range by following a suitable diet.

**How ​​to diagnose paronychia**

 

When discussing the treatment of finger inflammation around the nail at home, we must clarify that the diagnosis of this condition depends on obtaining the patient's medical history by the doctor. After that, the examination is performed using one of the following methods:

- **Gram stain**: Used to detect bacterial causes of the disease.

- **Tongue cell swabs**: These are done when herpetic whitlow is suspected.

- **Potassium hydroxide swabs**: These are used to determine whether the cause of the infection is candidiasis.

- **Taking a sample from the site of the infection**: This helps determine the cause of the infection and whether it is bacterial or fungal.

What is the best antibiotic ointment to treat paronychia?

 

Paronychia is an inflammation that occurs in the tissue surrounding the fingernails or toenails, and is often caused by direct or indirect trauma to the skin, allowing germs to enter through cracks into the nail and cause infection.

Bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B ointments are among the available options, as the doctor usually recommends applying them several times a day for a period ranging from 5 to 10 days. Gentamicin ointment is another option, as it is recommended to apply it several times a day for the same period.

Mupirocin ointment is also used, and the patient is usually asked to apply it several times a day for a period ranging from 5 to 10 days. In addition, the doctor may prescribe fusidic acid, which is available in the form of a cream for topical use on the affected area.

**Ointments containing antibiotics** Ointments containing antibiotics are the most common options for treating paronychia. Among these ointments, cyclopiroxolamine ointment stands out, which helps dry out the purulent material responsible for the appearance of the paronychia, which helps treat the condition and restore the nail to its normal shape.

**Black ointment** Black ointment is one of the most prominent ointments used to get rid of paronychia. This ointment is characterized by its viscous texture, and contains a group of natural materials such as castor oil and beeswax, in addition to vitamin E. It is applied to the nail and the surrounding skin.

**Fusidin Ointment** Fucidin ointment is one of the common ointments for treating nail fungus, as it works as an antibiotic. Using it for a specific period helps eliminate the fungus and restore the natural shape of the nail.

**Fusiderm Ointment** Fucidin ointment is used to treat nail fungus, and it contains active ingredients that help get rid of this condition within a short period of use.

**Methods for treating fungus**

Fusidin is classified into two types: acute and chronic, and the treatment options for each differ as follows:

1. **Protecting the nail:**

- No part of the infected nail should be removed. 

- If there is an artificial nail, it should be removed from the infected finger.

2. **Relieving pain and swelling:**

- If the infection is mild, pain and swelling can be relieved by soaking the affected foot or hand in warm water for about 20 minutes, repeating this 3 to 4 times a day. Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine can also be added to warm water.

**3. Visit a doctor:**

Paronychia in the following cases:

- If symptoms do not improve after two to three days.

- If you suffer from diabetes.

- If an abscess appears on the side of the nail or its base.

- If you suffer from fever or the appearance of red lines around the nail, or a change in the color of the nails, or a feeling of pain in the joints or muscles.

**4. Adherence to the treatment prescribed by the doctor:**

The doctor may prescribe the following treatments for paronychia, and it is necessary to adhere to them:

- Use of topical antibiotics, with or without corticosteroids, to treat acute paronychia.

- Take oral antibiotics to treat severe acute paronychia.

- Use a combination of topical antifungals and corticosteroids, or oral antifungals to treat chronic paronychia.

- Make a surgical incision and drain the pus in cases of severe paronychia.

- Excision of the affected nail in cases of stubborn chronic paronychia.

**Penylation infection**When infected with a penylation infection, the patient needs to take an oral antibiotic.

**Penylation infection**This infection is treated with antibiotics, in addition to the need to make an incision and drain the pus collected under the nail.

**Herpetic penylation**This type of penylation is considered one of the most severe types, and its treatment requires the use of a variety of medications, including:

- Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir.

- The patient may also need painkillers to reduce fever, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, as these painkillers help relieve the side effects associated with penylation.

- Local anesthesia in the affected area, which helps reduce itching and severe pain resulting from the infection

**Treatment of nail penylation with surgery**In some rare cases, it may be difficult to treat nail penylation using ointments and medications alone, which necessitates resorting to surgery. Surgical treatment is done in several ways, including

**Draining pus without incision**A metal nail is used to get rid of the pus in the nail without the need to make an incision, which prevents any tissue removal.

**Simple incision method** In this case, a small incision is made in the nail using a syringe, through which the skin is lifted and the pus is extracted. The doctor may prescribe some types of antibiotics to the patient after the operation.

**Treatment of finger inflammation around the nail with herbs**

Fortunately, most cases of infection do not require medication or a visit to the doctor, as treating the bruised finger with herbs can be sufficient to get rid of the paronychia. Among the available home remedies, we mention the following:

**Apple cider vinegar**Apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant that is characterized by its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. The beneficial bacteria and antiseptic compounds in it work to eliminate the bacteria that cause paronychia. To use, you can follow the following steps:

1. Soak a piece of cotton in apple cider vinegar.

2. Place it on the affected nail.

3. Leave it on the finger or toe for as long as possible, from 20 to 25 minutes, before removing it and letting the finger dry

It is worth noting that apple cider vinegar may cause some discomfort and pain, so if you can't stand the pain, you can dilute it by adding some water before use.

**Baking soda**The bacteria and fungi that cause paronychia live in an acidic environment, while baking soda is very alkaline, which helps reduce the acidity of the skin surrounding the nail. To treat finger inflammation around the nail at home using baking soda, you can follow these steps:

1. Make a topical paste from a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water.

2. Apply this paste to the affected finger and then cover it with gauze.

Baking soda helps reduce the acidity surrounding the infection, which helps reduce its spread and reduce symptoms, thus speeding up the healing process.

**Aloe Vera** Known for its thick, fleshy leaves and bright green color, the aloe vera plant has a long history in alternative medicine as an effective topical antibacterial and antiseptic treatment for a variety of conditions, including ingrown toenails. If you have a fresh aloe vera, you can cut off a leaf and apply the green pulp to the affected toe to relieve inflammation and pain. Antioxidants, such as polyphenols, have properties that help heal inflammation and soothe the skin and painful nail. If fresh aloe vera is not available, you can use store-bought aloe vera gel. Apply the gel to the affected toe and cover it, and symptoms should improve within 24 hours.

**Pure Honey** Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and can be used to treat a ingrown toenail infection. You can apply honey to the affected toe and cover it with gauze, which can help reduce inflammation and pain within the first day of use.

**Garlic** Garlic is known for its effective antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, and has been used as a traditional remedy for colds and flu for centuries. Garlic is also used to treat nail fungus at home.

The health benefits of garlic are due to its allicin content, a polyphenolic compound that is formed when garlic cloves are crushed. This compound and its derivatives found in fresh garlic are an effective treatment for nail fungus, as they help eliminate the bacteria that cause the infection.

To use, crush a garlic clove and then place it on your affected toe, cover it with gauze and leave it for a few hours. It is preferable to repeat this process twice daily.

**Treatment of a bruised toe with hot water**If you suffer from pus accumulation under the skin, you can soak the affected toe in warm water several times a day, then dry it well afterwards. This method helps in treating the fungus. You can also follow the following steps:

You can soak the affected toe in warm water with Epson salts and tea tree oil, which forms an effective antiseptic solution. This mixture helps greatly in eliminating foot fungus infection and the bacteria that cause the fungus, and also prevents its recurrence. You can also add some aromatic essential oils such as oregano oil to enhanceEffectiveness of treatment. Repeat this treatment two or three times daily for 20 minutes until the infection begins to subside.

**Coconut Oil** Unrefined, pure coconut oil is an effective carrier of essential oils, as it contains natural polyphenols and beneficial compounds. This oil has the following properties:

- It has strong antibacterial properties, making it suitable for enhancing the effectiveness of any homemade ointment or cream for treating thrush.

- Coconut oil helps eliminate fungal cells by removing the membrane surrounding the cell.

**Lemon** Lemon is a rich source of healing properties, as it helps get rid of persistent fungal infections. Lemon contains polyphenols that have antibacterial and antifungal properties. To benefit from the benefits of lemon, you can follow these steps:

- Add five to six drops of lemongrass essential oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil. Mix the ingredients well and then apply to the affected area two to three times daily.

Lemon helps reduce fungal activity on the skin, which leads to the inflammation subsiding and disappearing within one day of use.

**Turmeric**Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it effective in relieving inflammation of various types. It can be used in the following way:

- Heat turmeric with oil over low heat.

- After the mixture cools slightly, apply the paste to the affected area and leave it for 20 minutes.

- Wash the area well and keep it dry and clean.

Repeat this process daily for best results.

**Vaseline**Sometimes, using Vaseline to cover the affected area (inflamed skin) can help achieve the following benefits:

1. Start by drying your hands with a towel.

2. Apply Vaseline to the affected area, then tie it and cover it well.

**Onion treatment for boils**Onions are a common natural remedy in alternative medicine, as they contain many active ingredients that help treat boils, including anti-inflammatory substances

To prepare a treatment for a boil using onions, follow these steps:

1. Bring one onion and put it in an electric blender to get onion juice.

2. Massage the affected finger directly with onion juice.

3. Repeat this process from time to time.

Onions will help you get rid of pus quickly.

**Treatment of a boiled finger with dough** In this text, we will discuss a traditional alternative medicine method for treating a boil, also known as a boiled finger, which is the dough treatment method. Here are the necessary steps:

1. Bring an equal amount of white flour and sugar.

2. Mix the ingredients well until they are homogeneous.

3. Add a little water to the mixture, and knead the ingredients until you get a dough-like consistency.

4. You can add more water if necessary to get the desired consistency.

5. After that, put the dough on the affected finger, and make sure to cover it well with gauze or cotton.

6. It is preferable to repeat this recipe approximately every two hours on the bruised finger to obtain effective results and get rid of the accumulated pus.

In this way, you can benefit from this traditional recipe in treating the bruise.

**Treatment of the bruised finger with salt** Salt is considered one of the effective ingredients in disinfecting the finger, as it contains substances that help fight fungi and bacteria that may infect the area.

For use, it is recommended to apply a small amount of salt directly to the affected area, then cover it with gauze and leave it for a quarter of an hour. After that, the application of salt can be repeated two to three times a day. You can also mix the salt with a little lukewarm water and soak the hand in this solution.

**Treatment of the bruised finger with sugar** Sugar is considered one of the natural ingredients that contribute to treating the problem of the bruise, which is the formation of pus or pus inside the finger. To treat this condition, you can follow the following steps:

Bring an amount of sugar and add a little water to it. Mix the ingredients well until they are homogeneous, then add a little flour. After that, the mixture is applied directly to the affected finger and covered with gauze. It is preferable to repeat this method two to three times daily to get effective results in getting rid of pus.