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Suggest Treatment For Paronychia Despite Taking Ichthammol And Antibiotics
Question: I have reoccurring paronychia on large toe. It started draining yesterday, I am soaking it 2-3 times daily and using ichthammol to draw the infection and alternating it with triple antibiotic ointment. I am also on a zpack starting today due to rosacea. Should I be doing any thing else. 45 years ago a woman stepped on this toe with heels and I have had issues on and off since. I currently do not have physician and am not happy with the local nurse practitioner. I can't get into my doctor of choice until January.
Brief Answer:
Surgical draining and antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. It seems like you are doing the right things, however it is not clear to me whether you attempted draining it or is it draining on its own. If you are doing a surgical draining by yourself I advise against it, as a superimposed infection is a potential consequence.
Soaking and topical antibiotics are the sensible thing to do in this case. If you feel it is not working and the wound is not healing well, or as fast as expected or it got worse, I recommend you try and get a prescription for an oral antibiotic such as Augmentin or Clindamycin. Sometimes, a topical antibiotic cannot reach all the areas of the wound, whereas an oral antibiotic can reach the deepest area affected by infection.
If you do not have access to a doctor or nurse for an antibiotic prescription, shredded onion mixed with sea salt and wrapped around the toe overnight, can be a very good alternative, in addition to the topical antibiotic used during the day.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Wishing you good health and all the best.
Surgical draining and antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. It seems like you are doing the right things, however it is not clear to me whether you attempted draining it or is it draining on its own. If you are doing a surgical draining by yourself I advise against it, as a superimposed infection is a potential consequence.
Soaking and topical antibiotics are the sensible thing to do in this case. If you feel it is not working and the wound is not healing well, or as fast as expected or it got worse, I recommend you try and get a prescription for an oral antibiotic such as Augmentin or Clindamycin. Sometimes, a topical antibiotic cannot reach all the areas of the wound, whereas an oral antibiotic can reach the deepest area affected by infection.
If you do not have access to a doctor or nurse for an antibiotic prescription, shredded onion mixed with sea salt and wrapped around the toe overnight, can be a very good alternative, in addition to the topical antibiotic used during the day.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Wishing you good health and all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
It's draining on it's own I didn't do anything to make it drain. I am on azithromycin for 5 days for my rosacea will that help hurry the healing process.
Brief Answer:
Yes, azithromycin will help
Detailed Answer:
Yes, Azithromycin is generally an effective antibiotic against skin infections, although not the ideal one in the case of Paronychia. However, taken in addition to a topical antibiotic it can be quite helpful.
All the best.
Yes, azithromycin will help
Detailed Answer:
Yes, Azithromycin is generally an effective antibiotic against skin infections, although not the ideal one in the case of Paronychia. However, taken in addition to a topical antibiotic it can be quite helpful.
All the best.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vishesh Rohatgi
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