Aspiration and culture of pus or fluid from the area may reveal the organism causing the infection. 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. Paronychia usually is superficial and responds well to treatment, although fungal infections may persist for several months.
Complications are rare, but they occasionally occur.
Call your health care provider if paronychia symptoms persist despite treatment. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use .