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6 Home Remedies to Treat Paronychia

By on July 21, 2017

How To Treat Paronychia

If you are suffering from redness and swelling around the nails along with throbbing pain you are probably suffering from paronychia. Soon the affected nail will be surrounded by pus filled skin.

How To Treat Paronychia

How To Treat Paronychia

What is Paronychia

Paronychia may be defined as inflammation and infection of the skin that surrounds fingernails and toenails.

What is Paronychia

What is Paronychia

What Causes Paronychia

In most of the cases, the causative agent behind paronychia is Candida. Candida is a kind of yeast. However, bacteria or fungi may also cause infection around nails. Those who expose their fingers to water a lot or is suffering from diabetes or any other kind of nail fungal infection are more at the risk of developing it.

What are the Symptoms of Paronychia

The diagnostic symptom of paronychia is redness, swelling, and tenderness around one or more nails. There may be a throbbing pain. The skin around the nail is infected and filled with pus. There may be discoloration of the nail and its shape may also be affected. Other symptoms of paronychia include fever, chills, muscle pain and weakness.

Symptoms of Paronychia

Symptoms of Paronychia

How is Paronychia Diagnosed

The visible signs are enough to diagnose paronychia. To identify the causative agent your doctor may drain the pus and send it to the lab. A blood test is also done to rule out diabetes in cases or recurrent infections.

How is Paronychia Treated

To treat paronychia your doctor may give you antibiotics. If that does not work the blister is cut with a sterilized sharp blade and pus d drained out. If the causative agent behind paronychia is a fungus than antifungal medicine is prescribed. Still, if the condition is not treated that infected part is removed.

What are the Home Remedies to Treat Paronychia

There are a few home remedies that you can try at home to treat paronychia fast.

6 Natural Home Remedies to Treat Paronychia

1.Warm Water and Salt

This is one of the most effective treatments of paronychia. Take a small tub and fill it with warm water. Add a tablespoon of salt to it. Soak the affected finger in it for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this several times in a day. This will make the affected area sift and promotes the drainage of pus.

Warm Water and Salt

Warm Water and Salt

2.Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is antiseptic and antibacterial. It removes the pus and treats any kind of fungal infection. Apply 3-4 drops of oregano oil directly to the affected nail and surrounding cuticle. Repeat this 2 times in a day.

Oregano Oil

Oregano Oil

3.Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is used to treat lots of skin issues. It is a strong antibacterial and antiseptic. It is also anti-fungal and has anti-inflammatory properties. You should never apply tea tree oil directly to your skin. Mix tea tree oil with equal amounts of olive oil and then apply it on the affected area. Massage for 10 minutes and the leave. Repeat this 2 to 3 times in a day.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

4.Betel Leaves

Betel leaves are one of the ancient home remedies to treat paronychia fast. It is antifungal and antibacterial. To use it to treat paronychia you need to collect some betel leaves and crush them to make a paste. Apply this paste to affected nail and cover the finger or toe nail with a sterile gauge. Repeat this every day and you will get results in a week.

Betel Leaves

Betel Leaves

5.Apple Cider Vinegar

The acids present in the apple cider vinegar kills microbes and germs. Mix water and apple cider vinegar in equal amounts in a small tub. Soak the affected finger or toe in it for 20 minutes. Repeat this 2 times in a day.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

6.Hydrogen Peroxide

You can easily find hydrogen peroxide in medical stores. I is very effective in treating any kind of skin infection. Just apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the affected nail or toe. This will sterile the affected area. In a few days you will find that pus is eliminated.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide

Try any or combination of the above-mentioned home remedies to treat paronychia and you will get results in a few weeks. If you don’t find any relief in a couple of week consult your doctor to prevent partial or complete nail loss. To prevent paronychia in future maintain hand and feet hygiene, avoid biting nails and trimming cuticles. Keep your hands and feet dry and wear gloves when working with detergents and chemicals.

Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta
Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta:  Professionally a homeopathic doctor and a dietician Dr. Ritu Kumari Gupta is passionate about writing health and parenting blogs. She believes in holistic approach towards health and well being.
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