Which home-care step is recommended for paronychia?

• A. Soak finger or toe in warm water for at least 15 minutes, two to four times a day.
• B. Apply a cold compress for 10 minutes every hour.
• C. Soak finger or toe in warm water for 10 minutes, twice daily.
• D. Use aggressive scrubbing of the nail edge.

Answer: (A)

Warm soaks help paronychia by increasing blood flow to the nail folds, reducing swelling, and promoting drainage if pus is present. Soaking the finger or toe in warm water for at least 15 minutes, two to four times a day, provides sustained warmth and time for the tissue to soften, aiding healing and preventing spread. A cold compress doesn’t promote drainage and can increase discomfort, a shorter soak offers less relief and drainage potential, and aggressive scrubbing at the nail edge can irritate the skin and worsen the infection. After soaking, pat the area dry and monitor for worsening symptoms, seeking medical advice if there’s no improvement or if redness, fever, or spreading signs appear.