Effective Treatments for Painful Nail Bed Infections: What You Need to Know - Surgery

Share to:

The issue of paronychia?


I have developed small granulation tissue in the webbing of my toes, and it is very painful.
What medication (for example, specific drug names) should I apply to help it heal? I have been using the medication prescribed by my doctor, but my symptoms are similar to an infection caused by an ingrown nail, and despite seeing multiple doctors, it hasn't improved.
My family prefers to avoid surgery.
What recommendations do doctors have? Please help.

DD, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/17

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery


Hello! Surgery is recommended for nail bed reconstruction.
If you choose not to undergo surgery, you can consider aesthetic nail reconstruction, but it can be quite costly.
Wishing you well! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Reply Date: 2017/04/17

More Info


When dealing with painful nail bed infections, particularly those that may resemble ingrown toenails or paronychia (infection around the nail), it is essential to understand the underlying causes and appropriate treatments. Nail bed infections can be quite painful and may lead to complications if not treated properly. Here’s a comprehensive overview of effective treatments and considerations for managing this condition.


Understanding Nail Bed Infections
Nail bed infections can occur due to various reasons, including trauma (like an ingrown nail), fungal infections, or bacterial infections. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus formation. If you have developed a small growth (granulation tissue) around the nail bed, it may indicate chronic irritation or infection.


Initial Treatments
1. Topical Antibiotics: If the infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics such as Mupirocin (Bactroban) or Bacitracin. These can help reduce bacterial load and promote healing.

2. Oral Antibiotics: In cases of severe infection or if the infection has spread, oral antibiotics may be necessary. Common choices include Cephalexin or Clindamycin, especially if there is concern about resistant bacteria.

3. Antifungal Treatments: If a fungal infection is suspected, topical antifungals like Clotrimazole or Terbinafine may be recommended. In persistent cases, oral antifungal medications like Fluconazole might be necessary.

4. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation.


Home Care and Hygiene
- Soaking: Soaking the affected area in warm, soapy water can help reduce pain and swelling. Adding Epsom salt may provide additional relief.

- Keep it Clean: Maintain good hygiene by keeping the area clean and dry. Avoid tight shoes or socks that may irritate the area further.

- Avoid Picking: Refrain from picking at the area, as this can introduce more bacteria and worsen the infection.


When to Seek Further Treatment
If your symptoms persist despite using prescribed medications, or if you notice increasing redness, swelling, or discharge, it’s crucial to return to your healthcare provider. They may consider:
- Drainage: If there is an abscess or significant pus accumulation, a minor surgical procedure to drain the infection may be necessary.

- Surgical Intervention: In cases of chronic ingrown nails or recurrent infections, surgical options such as partial nail avulsion (removal of part of the nail) may be considered to prevent future occurrences.


Preventive Measures
To prevent future nail bed infections, consider the following:
- Proper Nail Care: Trim nails straight across and avoid rounding the edges to reduce the risk of ingrown nails.

- Footwear Choices: Wear well-fitting shoes that provide adequate space for your toes.

- Moisture Control: Keep your feet dry and change socks regularly to prevent fungal infections.


Conclusion
Managing a painful nail bed infection requires a combination of proper medical treatment and self-care strategies. If you are currently using a prescribed medication and not seeing improvement, it is essential to communicate this to your healthcare provider. They may need to reassess your condition and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Remember, while home remedies can provide relief, persistent or severe infections often require professional medical intervention to ensure complete healing and prevent complications.

Similar Q&A

Effective Treatments for Paronychia: Is Nail Bed Reconstruction the Solution?

What methods can a physician use to completely prevent paronychia? I previously had a toenail removed at another hospital, but I recently developed paronychia again, which is very painful and has a foul odor with pus. I read online that a treatment for paronychia is "nail be...


Dr. Jiang Yujiao reply Dermatology
Mr. Lai: Hello! Paronychia in the big toe is generally caused by ingrown toenails. Nail bed reconstruction surgery can be performed when necessary, but first, it is important to avoid wearing overly tight shoes and to minimize engaging in high-impact sports that could collide wit...

[Read More] Effective Treatments for Paronychia: Is Nail Bed Reconstruction the Solution?


Managing Nail Bed Infections: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello doctor, I recently visited a dermatologist for paronychia. The doctor prescribed me oral medication and an ointment to apply. Today, I noticed that the abscess has spread, and I’m not sure when I accidentally ruptured it, but it has started to drain. Will this lead to an in...


Dr. Chen Bochen reply Orthopedics
Hello LDH, actually, paronychia is an infection! If the abscess has burst, there’s no need to panic. Here’s how to manage it: 1. After disinfecting with povidone-iodine, gently squeeze to help the pus drain out more quickly. 2. Soak the wound in povidone-iodine (alcohol-free) ...

[Read More] Managing Nail Bed Infections: When to Seek Medical Attention


Effective Treatments for Fungal Infections: Relief and Recovery Tips

If you are experiencing intense itching due to a fungal infection that leads to blister-like lesions when scratched, treatment typically involves topical antifungal medications and possibly oral antifungal medications. To promote faster recovery, it is essential to keep the affec...


Dr. Yang Zhiya reply Dermatology
Fungal treatment primarily involves keeping the affected area dry, along with the use of topical ointments and oral medications. Since fungal infections can be difficult to treat, they often require a longer duration of therapy. If the lesions on the fingers are inconvenient to a...

[Read More] Effective Treatments for Fungal Infections: Relief and Recovery Tips


Understanding Nail Bed Separation: Causes, Treatments, and Management

Dr. Huang, I would like to ask if there is a way to treat onycholysis. It has been bothering me for a long time. I previously took oral antifungal medications, but it recurred after a while. The dermatologist I saw last time said that it cannot be treated and advised me to accept...


Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
Hello: Many cases of nail bed separation are indeed difficult to treat, which is why your dermatologist may have advised you to accept it. Here are things you should avoid: do not keep long nails, do not apply nail polish, do not use nail polish remover, do not get acrylic nails,...

[Read More] Understanding Nail Bed Separation: Causes, Treatments, and Management


Related FAQ

Nails

(Surgery)

Nail Infection

(Dermatology)

Paronychia

(Surgery)

Toe Injury

(Surgery)

Infection Concerns

(Surgery)

Nails

(Family Medicine)

Wound Healing

(Surgery)

Folliculitis

(Surgery)

Fungal Infection

(Dermatology)

Toes

(Dermatology)