Acute Paronychia Management
Aftercare
- Elevate hand or foot to reduce throbbing and pain.
- Leave packing in place for 24-48 hours to allow for continued drainage.
- Clean affected digit with soap and water after packing removed.
- Warm soaks for 10-15 minutes 3 to 4 times per day after dressing removed.
- Avoid biting nails, sucking on fingers.
- Avoid aggressive manicures.
Follow-up
- Arrange follow-up for packing to be removed and wound evaluation after 24-48 hours.
- Monitor for progressive infection and treat with systemic antibiotics as needed
- Fever
- Increasing pain after 24 hours
- Increased redness or streaking
- Swelling