Paronychia Finger Home Treatment: Everything You Need To Know

This article was reviewed by Dr. Emilija Ashtalkoska on August 10th, 2018. Products listed therein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

Introduction

Paronychia is one of the most common finger infections in the world. It can cause an unsightly swollen appearance, redness, thickening of the nail, pain, pus-filled blisters, and even separation of the cuticle and nail plate.

Fortunately, there are a number of great options to treat your infected paronychia finger at home that does not require a trip to the doctor.

However, in some instances, especially advanced instances of paronychia, seeing a medical professional might be necessary.

Don’t have a lot of time and want to clear up your paronychia fast?

Click here to view our top recommendation, Terrasil Anti-Fungal Ointment and Medicated Cleansing Bar on Amazon.com.

Important Information About Paronychia

First and foremost paronychia is a very serious condition. It is an infection of the finger present in the part around the nail.

Its name comes from the ancient Greek words “para” – meaning around, and “onyx” – meaning nail. Paronychia can be divided into acute and chronic.

The acute form is most often caused by bacterial infection, while the chronic form is caused by fungal infection, in most cases. If the condition starts gradually and it slowly progresses, then, the most likely culprit is a fungus.

If a previously healthy finger becomes painful to the touch, red and swollen in a short period of time (few hours to a couple of days), then it is most likely bacterial.

It is important to note that the treatment options in the article refer to the treatment of fungal paronychia.

The Best Home Treatment For Paronychia: Terrasil Anti-Fungal Ointment and Medicated Cleansing Bar

Terrasil Anti-Fungal Ointment and Medicated Cleansing Bar is our top recommendation for immediate relief from paronychia.

This package contains two top of the line products – Terrasil’s Foot & Nail Anti-Fungal Ointment, and Anti-Fungal Medicated Cleaning Bar.

Terrasil’s formula utilizes an incredibly strong FDA-approved solution that directly fights off the bacterial and fungal extremely fast.

This solution features Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and more essential oils to give you relief from your paronychia by quickly destroying the fungus.

In fact, Terrasil eliminates over 70% of fungi in the first 30 minutes.

Terrasil’s formula lacks any foul odor, doesn’t sting upon contact, or cause itching or other forms of discomfort.

It is important to note that the ointment and cleaning bar are both made in the USA, and are not tested on animals.

When you consider all of these facts, it is clear why Terrasil is the best home treatment for your paronychia finger.

Click here to view Terrasil Anti-Fungal Ointment and Medicated Cleansing Bar on Amazon.com

Use Hot Water Soaks For Added Results

Hot soaks are a fantastic way to help your body fight off paronychia and various other infections.

By simply placing your hand in hot water, it increases blood flow to the hand.

Blood supply is the source of white cells, which is what our body uses to fight off infections. Thus, hot soaks increase your body’s natural ability to fight off paronychia.

We recommend doing five hot soaks a day for 20 minutes at a time. Make sure that the water is warm enough to be noticeable, but not so hot that you are going to burn yourself.

If the water cools down before the soak ends, just add more hot water. If you want, you can add Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar to the mix for additional results.

Fundamentally, we believe in combining a topical treatment solution such as Terrasile Anti-Fungal Ointment and Medicated Cleaning Bar with hot soaks to maximum results.

Without using a topical solution, hot soaks may not be enough to fight off your paronychia.

When Should I See A Doctor?

If there is no improvement after a few (up to 5) days, you should definitely go to a doctor. If the condition is getting worse, go to your doctor immediately.

Unfortunately, Paronychia can spread into other portions of the nail, leading to eponychia and various other medical issues.

Also, definitely see a doctor if your infected finger continues to swell, secrete puss, or if the fungal infection spreads further throughout the finger or to other parts of the body.

Its also important to note that warm soaks can be used only when there is no pus.

Additionally, if you have any sort of compromised immune system, diabetics, vascular disease, or any other major medical issue, definitely seek medical attention immediately.

In fact, we always recommend consulting your doctor before introducing any new medical treatment, even if it has natural ingredients or is a home remedy.

If your paronychia has progressed to an advanced stage, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or specialized creams to help you get rid of your fungal infection.

In the unlikely event that your infection progresses to an extremely advanced stage, it is possible that you may need surgery.

What Causes Paronychia?

Paronychia is commonly caused by a number of seemingly innocuous activities.

Regularly chewing or biting your nails, improper nail clipping techniques, such as clipping too far down the nail, and coming into contact with unsterilized equipment while getting a manicure or pedicure are all common sources of paronychia.

Unfortunately, there are many similarities in this regard between paronychia and some forms of nail fungus.

Additional sources of paronychia include frequently coming into contact with bacteria-filled water. If you spend a lot of time washing dishes, it is possible that is how you contracted the paronychia.

Paronychia can also be caused by ingrown nails, both of the finger and the toe.

What Are The Symptoms Of Paronychia?

For most sufferers, the symptoms of paronychia are obvious. Here are some of the most common.

1. Redness and swelling around the nail.

2. Pain and tenderness.

3. Pus-filled abscesses.

Chances are if you think you have paronychia, you most likely have paronychia.

Please keep in mind that it is possible to mistake paronychia for other similar infections, such as herpetic whitlow. Always consult a medical professional before starting any new treatment.

How To Prevent Paronychia In The Future

Preventing paronychia is easy when you follow these simple tips.

Don’t bite your fingernails
Only frequent reputable nail salons
Use gloves when washing dishes
Wash your hands frequently, especially if your hands come into contact with dirt
Use high-quality nail clippers

Essentially, try and keep your fingers far away from contaminated sources of bacteria and fungi.

Many of these tips may seem obvious, but by adhering to each one will drastically lower the chances of contracting paronychia and other fungal infections in the future.

Is Paronychia Treatment At Home A Good Idea?

Home treatment for paronychia is a good idea only for some mild forms of paronychia. Anything that is not getting better, or staying the same after a few days, up to one week, requires medical attention.

If you have reached a point where the paronychia is advanced, you may need medical intervention, such as topical steroids, draining, and possibly surgery.

If the infection is developing into an abscess, it is likely that home treatments may not work.

Please keep in mind that this website does not provide medical advice, and we always recommend consulting your doctor before introducing any new treatment.

Can I Get Paronychia On My Fingers And Toes?

Yes, unfortunately, it is possible to develop paronychia on your fingers and toes.

Although it is much more likely that you develop it on your fingers, it is possible to contract paronychia of the toe.

Fortunately, treatment options remain the same, regardless of whether your fingernails or toenails are affected. We recommend utilizing Terrasil combined with hot soaks.

However, if you have paronychia on your toe, you need to be diligent watch out for other fungal infections.

Where Should I Purchase Terrasil?

We always recommend purchasing Terrasil through Amazon.com. Click here to go directly to the product page.

Conclusion

Paronychia can be a painful, uncomfortable experience. We highly recommend utilizing Terrasil today to help treat your fungal infection and return your fingers to their former glory.

We hope the information in this guide has been helpful, and we wish the best of luck preventing paronychia in the future.

Feel free to leave a comment or question below.