Suggest Treatment For Chronic Paronychia In Thumb

Brief Answer:
Acute on Chronic paronychia; Oral antibiotics and Oral antifungals

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Image.

You seem to have developed Acute on chronic paronychia. In other words bacterial superinfection of underlying chronic paronychia.

Underlying chronic paronychia is usually candidal in origin and is characterized by swelling and inflammation of nail folds along with discoloration of nail plate and when it becomes superimposed with bacterial infection it becomes painful and swollen along with pus formation.

Wet work e.g those who works for long hours with water and soaps/ detergents predisposes to paronychia.

I suggest an Oral antibiotic for a week. This would help resolve bacterial superinfection.
My choice of Oral antibiotic would be either Amoxycillin 500 mg Or Cephalexin 500 mg, for a week

Topically you may use an OTC topical antibacterial e.g 2% mupirocin cream, twice daily.

You must also be started on once weekly oral antifungal e.g fluconazole for at least 3-6 months for underlying candidal chronic paronychia.

These are all prescription medications and therefore I suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your vicinity for the needful.

Regards

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Brief Answer:
Oral fluconazole along with restricting wet work

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Oral Fluconazole would certainly help in chronic candidal paronychia and associated nail discoloration.
Fluconazole is usually given once weekly.
Treatment is long term and would last at least for 3-6 months for candidal paronychia and at least 12-15 months for nail involvement

Chronic candidal paronychia is a common problem in females who engage in wet work for long hours e.g washing clothes, dishes etc therefore avoiding Or restricting wet work is a also desirable else the condition may recur.

Regards

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