Aspiration and culture of pus or fluid from the area may reveal the organism causing the infection. Treatment 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.
To prevent paronychia, care for the nails and the skin around the nails properly. Avoid damage to the nails or the fingertips. Do not bite, or pick the nails. Because the nails grow slowly, damage can cause an injury that lasts for months. Protect the nails from exposure to detergents and chemicals by using protective rubber or plastic gloves, preferably with cotton liners.