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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:

  • Acute paronychia. This develops over hours or days. The infection does not usually spread deep into the finger, and treatment can reduce symptoms relatively quickly.
  • Chronic paronychia. This occurs when symptoms last for at least 6 weeks. It develops more slowly and can become more serious. Chronic paronychia often affects several digits at once.
  • 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:

  • swelling, tenderness, and redness around the nail
  • puss-filled abscesses
  • hardening of the nail
  • deformation or damage to the nail
  • the nail separating from the nailbed
  • Share on PinterestBiting the nails or the skin around the nails can cause infection.Image credit: Chris Craig, 2007.

    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:

  • biting or chewing the nails
  • clipping the nails too short
  • manicures
  • excessive exposure of the hands to moisture, including frequently sucking the finger
  • ingrown nails
  • 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:

  • Enhanced dermatologic management arm:
  • Patients receive a proactive regimen comprising prophylactic antibiotics, comprehensive skin moisturization, and strategies to prevent paronychia (nail inflammation). This approach aims to minimize the occurrence and severity of DAEs during treatment.​
  • Standard dermatologic management arm:
  • Patients receive conventional care, which may include reactive treatments initiated after the onset of dermatologic toxicities.​
  • Primary End Point:

  • Incidence of Grade 2 DAEs:
  • The primary objective was to assess the incidence of Grade 2 DAEs within the first 12 weeks of treatment. The enhanced management strategy demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in the occurrence of these adverse events compared with standard care. ​
  • Secondary End Points:

  • Severity and frequency of dermatologic toxicities:
  • Enhanced management resulted in a lower severity and frequency of DAEs, contributing to improved patient comfort and potentially better treatment adherence.​
  • Quality-of-life assessments:
  • Patients in the enhanced management arm reported improved quality-of-life metrics, likely due to reduced DAEs.​
  • Treatment compliance:
  • The proactive dermatologic care approach was associated with higher treatment adherence rates, as patients experienced fewer treatment interruptions related to skin toxicities.​
  • 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:​

  • Improved patient quality of life: Effective management of skin-related adverse effects enhances daily functioning and emotional well-being.​
  • Increased treatment adherence: Minimizing AEs supports consistent therapy continuation, which may improve clinical outcomes.​
  • Optimized clinical outcomes: Addressing dermatologic toxicities proactively may reduce the need for dose modifications or interruptions, ensuring patients receive the full benefit of their prescribed therapy.​
  • 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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