This disease is due to a bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of a finger. Paronychia appears as a result of a finger injury. It can be painful and requires medical treatment. Overview with Dr. Nina Roos, dermatologist in Paris.
A beginning whitlow can be treated by Hexomedin, a local antibacterial and antiseptic solution. “Apply transcutaneous hexomedine with a cotton ball, 3 times a day, for 10 minutes and for 5 days, recommends Dr. Nina Roos, dermatologist. This treatment is however not recommended in case of injury or skin erosion on the area, because the antiseptic may dig the wound.“.
Dakin’s water is a chlorine-based topical antiseptic lotion, used to disinfect small wounds. It is indicated to treat a beginner whitlow. It is used in different ways:
► In washing: soak a sterile compress of Dakin and clean the paronychia twice a day
► In bath: soak for 10 min the sick finger in Dakin’s water diluted by half with lukewarm water.
Whichever method is chosen, the treatment is to be done for 5 days. “It is however contraindicated in case of wound or excoriations on the area to be soaked in the Dakin“, says Dr. Roos.
When to have surgery?
As the infection progresses and causes a pocket of pus around the nail, causing severe pain, surgical treatment may be necessary. It takes place in the operating room, under regional anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. “Il consists of removing the infected tissue, including the nail if necessary. The samples are then sent to the laboratory for analysis: in general, whitlow is caused by staphylococcus aureuse“, explains Dr. Roos. Subsequently, the surgeon performs a dressing by means of compresses and bandages. Healing may take between 2 and 3 weeks.
Are you looking for a natural solution to treat your beginner whitlow? Some essential oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is particularly the case by Tea Tree. Dilute 3 drops of this essential oil in a teaspoon of vegetable oil, then apply the preparation 4 times a day on your paronychia until improvement. Niaouli essential oil is also a powerful antiseptic. Place 4 drops of this essence on a warm compress. Apply it to your paronychia 5 times a day for 10 minutes.
What treatment for the baby?
Baths made with Dakin’s Water or Hexomedine can be performed on babies, provided that the paronychia is a beginner. Ask advice to your pediatrician or pharmacist. “If after two days of this treatment, the paronychia has not regressed, make an appointment with your doctor.“, recommends the dermatologist.
What treatment for pregnant women?
If the paronychia is only in its infancy, a treatment based on local antiseptics will suffice to deal with it. A medical appointment is therefore not necessary from the start, unless you have diabetes. If the infection progresses, a antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Here again, a medical appointment is essential because certain drugs are forbidden to you during pregnancy.
How long does it take to cure a finger whitlow?
On average, a paronychia can last between 5 and 10 days depending on the speed of treatment and the stage of the disease. Therefore it is recommended to do not let the infection linger.
Thanks to Dr. Nina Roos, dermatologist in Paris.