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How To Treat Paronychia (an Infected Nail)
Paronychia is a skin infection that develops around the nail. It occurs when bacteria or fungi get under the skin.
Paronychia can result from biting or chewing the nails, but it is more common when working conditions require the hands to be frequently wet or exposed to chemicals.
Most cases of paronychia are not serious, and there are several effective treatments. This article will discuss the causes and treatments of the infection.
Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail of at least one finger or toe. It typically develops around the edges of the nail at the bottom or sides.
This skin infection causes inflammation, swelling, and discomfort around the nail. Abscesses containing pus can also form.
There are two types of paronychia:
Paronychia can occur at any age and is easily treatable.
In rare cases, the infection can spread to the rest of the finger or toe. If this happens, a person should see their doctor.
Some symptoms of paronychia resemble those of different skin infections. Other symptoms directly affect the nail itself.
Paronychia symptoms include:
The infection occurs when the skin around the nail becomes damaged, allowing germs to enter.
Bacteria or fungi can cause paronychia, and common culprits are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.
Common causes of skin damage around the nail include:
Treatments for paronychia will vary, depending on the severity and whether it is chronic or acute.
A person with mild, acute paronychia can try soaking the affected finger or toe in warm water three to four times a day. If symptoms do not improve, seek further treatment.
When a bacterial infection causes acute paronychia, a doctor may recommend an antibiotic, such as dicloxacillin or clindamycin.
When a fungal infection causes chronic paronychia, a doctor will prescribe antifungal medication. These medications are topical and typically include clotrimazole or ketoconazole.
Chronic paronychia may require weeks or months of treatment. It is important to keep the hands dry and clean throughout. If a person's job requires their hands to be wet or exposed to germs, they may need to take time off.
A doctor may also need to drain any pus from surrounding abscesses. To do this, they will provide a local anesthetic, then open the nail fold enough to insert gauze, which will help drain the pus.
Paronychia is a skin infection around a fingernail or toenail. Symptoms include inflammation, swelling, pain, and discomfort. Biting or chewing the nails is a common cause.
Acute paronychia develops quickly, and treatment can reduce symptoms rapidly. People can treat mild cases at home. Chronic paronychia has a slower onset and can take weeks for treatment to effectively reduce symptoms.
Taking good care of the hands and nails is the best way to prevent paronychia.
Insights From COCOON: Prophylactic Dermatologic Management With Amivantamab + Lazertinib In Advanced NSCLC
A panelist discusses how the COCOON study demonstrated that enhanced dermatologic management significantly reduces the incidence and severity of dermatologic adverse events (DAEs) in patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving first-line treatment with amivantamab and lazertinib, improving both quality of life and treatment adherence.
Summary for Physicians: 1L Therapies for LA/M EGFR-Mutated NSCLC
Summary for Physicians: COCOON Study Findings Presented at European Lung Cancer Congress 2025
The COCOON study is a Phase 2, open-label, randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the impact of enhanced dermatologic management on DAEs in patients with locally advanced or metastatic (LA/M) EGFR-mutated NSCLC receiving first-line treatment with amivantamab and lazertinib. The study specifically addresses the unmet need for effective management of skin-related toxicities associated with EGFR-targeted therapies, which can significantly affect patients' quality of life and treatment adherence.
Study Arms and Regimens:
Primary End Point:
Secondary End Points:
Addressing Unmet Needs in Clinical Practice:
The COCOON study directly addresses a significant unmet need by providing evidence-based strategies to manage dermatologic toxicities associated with EGFR-targeted therapies. By implementing enhanced dermatologic care, health care providers can offer patients a more tolerable treatment experience, potentially leading to:
Incorporating enhanced dermatologic management into routine care for patients undergoing treatment with amivantamab and lazertinib represents a meaningful advancement in supportive oncology care, aligning with the goal of personalized medicine that considers both the efficacy and tolerability of cancer therapies.
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