For fingernails and toenails, use sharp manicure scissors or clippers for trimming and an emery board for smoothing the edges. The nails may be softer and easier to trim after bathing. Do not trim cuticles or use cuticle removers. Cuticle removers are corrosive and may damage the skin around the nail. 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.