What Causes Painful Reddish Abscess Near The Nail Fold?

Posted on Tue, 30 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 Answered on

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi i have had this boil/abscess near my finger nail for the past 5 days. i applied fucicort and covered it, but it has not gone away.its reddish and painful. please advise

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Paronychia. Oral and topical antibiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have noted your concern and I have viewed the image. You seem to have Acute Paronychia - inflammation of the nail fold.
I suggest you to start an oral antibiotic e.g. either Amoxicillin or Cephalexin, thrice daily for a week.

In addition to this you may apply a topical antibiotic e.g. either Neosporin ointment or Mupirocin ointment, twice daily. You may also take an oral anti inflammatory e.g tab Ibuprofen, twice daily for symptomatic relief from pain.

Regards,
Dr. Kakkar S.,
Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad