Why is one side of my nail swollen?
Typically, paronychia begins with pain, swelling and redness around the base or the sides of the nail. Acute paronychia can cause pus-filled pockets (abscesses) to form. Chronic paronychia may cause the cuticle to break down. This type of paronychia may eventually cause the nail to separate from the skin.
How do you treat a swollen fingernail?
Management and Treatment Soak the infected area in warm water for about 15 minutes a few times a day. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly. Soaking the cuticle and nailbed helps pus drain from under the skin. If symptoms don’t get better after a day or two of home remedies, see your provider.
What is it when the side of your fingernail hurts?
Ingrown nail Ingrown nails cause the sides of the nail to curve into the skin. This painful condition can develop when nails are trimmed improperly, after an injury to the nail, or when a person wears shoes that are too short or tight. Of all nails, it seems the big toe is most likely to develop an ingrown nail.
Can paronychia heal on its own?
Treating paronychia depends on how severe the infection is and whether it has started to spread. Often, soaking the infected nail in warm water for 20 minutes a few times a day will help it heal on its own in a few days. If there’s an abscess, a doctor might need to drain it.
How do you treat paronychia at home?
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
- You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.
- Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
Should I drain paronychia?
Drains are not necessary. Warm-water soaks four times a day for 15 minutes should be performed to keep the wound open. Between soakings, an adhesive bandage can protect the nail area. Antibiotic therapy is usually not necessary.
Should I put peroxide on a paronychia?
Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.