WHAT ARE FINGER INFECTION (PARONYCHIA) TREATMENT Options?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. Warm compresses or soaks placed on the effected area
2. Mupricin ointment 2% topically

3. Sometimes: the infected pus in the finger needs to be lanced with a scalpel.* In addition, a thin gauze wick may be left in place for 24-48 hours.

3. Dicloxacillin 500 mg 4 times a day *

4. Cephalexin 500 mg 4 times a day *

5. Clindamycin 300 mg 4 times a day). #

6. Bactrim. # In areas where methicillin-resistant S. aureus is common, Bactrim or other antibiotics that are capable of treating MRSA should be used.

CAUTION

1. If a patient has diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, especially if they have Toe Paronychia, they need to be monitored extremely closely for progressing infection such as cellulitis.
2. All medications (including oitments and antibiotics) and surgical procedures (lancing) have a risk of side effects.
3. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
4. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
5. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A FINGER INFECTION (ALSO CALLED PARONYCHIA)?

Paronychia (an infection of the finger or toe close to the nailbed) develops along the nail margin, manifesting over hours to days with pain, warmth, redness, and swelling. Pus usually develops along the nail margin and sometimes beneath the nail.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF PARONYCHIA?

In acute Paronychia, the causative organisms are usually Staphylococcus aureus or streptococci and, less commonly, Pseudomonas or Proteus species.

HOW IS PARONYCHIA DIAGNOSED?

Paronychia diagnosis can be made by a careful history and visual inspection. Two other diagnosis must be ruled out: herpetic whitlow and chronic paronychia. Herpetic Whitlow is usually appears as several clear fluid sacs (vesicles) and may cause pain before the vesicles appear. Chronic Paronychia has inflammation but no pus. It may be due to fungus—but often times does not respond to anti fungal treatment.