Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nails, often affecting the fingers or toes. It can be a painful and concerning condition, especially for children. At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we recognize that dealing with paronychia can be distressing for both children and their parents.Our providers are dedicated to delivering care with empathy and understanding, ensuring your child feels supported throughout their treatment.By following the clinical pathways of the best children's hospitals, we ensure that every aspect of your child's care adheres to the highest medical standards. This approach not only provides effective treatment but also reassures you that your child is receiving excellent care. Whether it's addressing an infection, managing pain, or providing preventive advice, Kids1st Urgent Care is here to offer compassionate and expert care, helping your child recover with the best possible outcomes.

What is Paronychia?

Paronychia typically begins with inflammation and redness around the nail, which can progress to infection. It may occur due to:

• Bacterial Infections: Often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus species.
• ‍Fungal Infections: More common in chronic cases, often due to fungi like Candida.
• Trauma: Injury to the nail or surrounding skin, such as from biting or picking at nails.

Symptoms of Paronychia

Children with paronychia may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Redness and Swelling: Around the nail or nail bed.
• Pain: Often severe and localized to the affected area.
• Pus: Accumulation of pus may occur if the infection is bacterial.
• Warmth: The area around the nail may feel warm to the touch.
• Nail Deformities: In severe or chronic cases, the nail may become misshapen.

Diagnosis of Paronychia

Diagnosis of paronychia at Kids 1st Urgent Care involves a thorough examination of the affected area. In some cases, we may take a sample of the pus or skin to identify the specific type of infection (bacterial or fungal). This helps us tailor the most effective treatment plan for your child.

Treatment for Paronychia

The treatment approach for paronychia at Kids 1st Urgent Care includes:

• Antibiotics or Antifungals: Prescribed based on the type of infection. Oral or topical medications may be used.‍
• Warm Soaks: Soaking the affected area in warm, soapy water to reduce swelling and pain.
• Drainage: If an abscess forms, our providers may perform a minor procedure to drain it, alleviating pressure and pain.‍
• Pain Management: We may recommend pain relief options suitable for your child's age and condition.
• Hygiene Advice: Guidance on maintaining good nail and hand hygiene to prevent recurrence.

Kids 1st Urgent Care’s Commitment

At Kids 1st Urgent Care, we aim for the best possible outcomes by providing compassionate care and following the clinical pathways of leading children’s hospitals. We focus on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and education to ensure your child recovers fully and enjoys optimal nail health. Our goal is to address any concerns promptly and provide the support needed for a swift and complete recovery.

Child-Friendly Environment

Understanding that medical treatments can be stressful for children, all of our providers have been trained by our Child Life Specialists on how to approach your child in a friendly and compassionate manner.We strive to make the experience as stress-free as possible, with a child- centered environment and a caring staff that helps ease any anxiety.

Kids 1st Urgent Care sources its medical research from leading authorities in pediatric medicine, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Texas Children’s Hospital.