How can I treat painful paronychia and reduce nail pain?

Hello,

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Please share the details of the medications you have been taking along with the prescriptions. Apart from the picture you shared (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), please describe the symptoms you are currently experiencing and how long you have had the suspected nail infection. Also, let me know if there is any pus discharge.

Based on the information provided, a local examination by a hand surgeon may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The differential diagnosis includes fungal paronychia, while the probable diagnosis is bacterial paronychia.

I recommend the following:

1. Warm water soaking of the affected finger three to four times daily until symptoms resolve. After soaking, apply Mupirocin 2% ointment once daily for 15 days and Clotrimazole 1% ointment once daily for 14 days.

2. Avoid inciting factors such as frequent exposure to moisture, detergents, or other skin irritants.

3. Keep the affected area clean and dry between applications, as dryness promotes healing.

4. Avoid nail manipulation such as manicuring, picking, finger sucking, or attempting to incise and drain the lesion.

5. Oral antibiotic therapy with Amoxycillin 500 mg (milligrams) and Clavulanate 125 mg, one tablet twice daily for five days, may be required. Since this medication requires a prescription, please consult a local physician before starting it.

Proper care and avoiding repeated irritation will help the infection resolve faster.

I hope this helps.

Thank you, and take care.