Are topical ointments for paronychia effective?

When paronychia first occurs, one side of the nail will grow into the flesh, and it will be very painful with a slight touch. It will gradually become more and more serious, and symptoms of pus discharge will appear. Generally, anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective for paronychia. It is best to use some antifungal drugs. You can use special tools to pull out the excess nails and then disinfect them. After cleaning the pus, apply anti-inflammatory drugs to the area affected by paronychia.

(1) Antibiotics

There are many types, including intramuscular injection, intravenous medication, and topical medication. Advantages: It has a strong inhibitory effect on bacteria and has a certain anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Disadvantages: Does not seem to be effective for ingrown toenails caused by physical toenail penetration.

(2) Anti-inflammatory analgesics

Such as salicylic acid preparations, there are oral, ointment, injection and other types. Advantages: It can relieve pain and swelling and is suitable for use when the pain is unbearable. Disadvantages: Ineffective in treating ingrown toenails. If used for a long time, it may cause severe irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. People with gastrointestinal diseases should use it with caution.

(3) Urea ointment

Advantages: It softens the skin and also softens the nails, which helps with correction. Disadvantages: It takes a long time to soften the nails, which is very troublesome, and the effect is not good when used alone. That is, even if the nails are softened, it is difficult to cure the deformed nails without using corrective measures.

(4) Silver nitrate

Advantages: The treatment is less painful, usually no anesthesia is required, it can flatten the granulation tissue, and has an inhibitory effect on pus and exudate. Disadvantages: It is somewhat corrosive and can darken the skin and nails, seriously affecting the appearance. It only works on granulation tissue and is not very helpful in correcting toenails.

(5) “Cotton pad method” and “hose pad method”

Advantages: simple and convenient, can be handled by yourself. Disadvantages: easy to fall off, insufficient filling force, poor effect, and easy to relapse. Use an IV hose instead of cotton to fill the nail groove and glue it with special glue.

(6) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Chinese medicine application, soaking, or traditional pedicure techniques. Advantages: Usually no side effects, good effect in eliminating inflammation. Disadvantages: The cure effect needs to be determined based on the physician’s personal experience, and there is no uniform standard.