{"id":5813,"date":"2019-04-19T04:58:01","date_gmt":"2019-04-19T04:58:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5813"},"modified":"2021-03-31T16:25:13","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T16:25:13","slug":"14-easy-ways-to-cure-paronychia-at-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-easy-ways-to-cure-paronychia-at-home\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Easy Ways to Cure Paronychia at Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Paronychia describes an infection of the skin around the finger or toenails. In most cases, affected individuals notice that the skin around the nail inflames, becoming sore to touch and it may weep pus as well, depending on the extent of the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paronychia typically occurs due to bacterial infection, and symptoms can occur quickly over the course of a few days, or it may take weeks to develop fully \u2013 especially in cases of toenail paronychia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paronychia is a treatable condition and occurs at any age. Fortunately, most of the acute infections don\u2019t require medications to treat the symptoms. In this case, you can use home remedies to address the hangnail and return your fingernail to health. However, in some cases, the infection may become chronic, resulting in the loss of your nail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try these home remedies for paronychia, if you don\u2019t experience any relief, call your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.    Apple Cider Vinegar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

ACV <\/a>is a natural antiseptic and features antimicrobial and anti-bacterial properties as well. The tonic gets its health-boosting properties from the brown suspension found in the unfiltered version of the product. This bacteria, otherwise known as \u201cthe mother,\u201d has many health benefits, including acting as a natural remedy for paronychia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The active beneficial bacteria, and antiseptic compounds, in the vinegar kill of the invading bacteria causing the paronychia. We recommend that you soak a cotton ball in ACV, and then apply it to your infected nail. Leave the ball on the finger or toe for as long as possible before removing it and letting the finger or toe dry out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may find that the ACV stings the infected area, but that\u2019s a sign that the vinegar is combatting the infection. If you can\u2019t take the pain of using straight vinegar, then dilute it with some water before applying it to your toe or finger.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2.    Baking Soda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bacteria thrive in an acidic environment. If your diet involves eating plenty of junk food or drinking sodas<\/a>, then the chances are that you could benefit from removing these acidic foods and beverages from your diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bacteria that cause paronychia, rely on an acidic environment to survive, changing the pH level of your skin can reduce the extent of the infection, and limit your symptoms. Go into your kitchen pantry and pull out your tub of baking soda. Baking soda has many beneficial uses outside of cooking – and all of the benefits come from the compound’s ability to reduce acidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a topical paste using 1-teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of water. Dip your infected toe or finger into the baking soda paste, and wrap it in some gauze. The baking soda helps to reduce the acidity around the infection, and accelerate healing time. Repeat this treatment two or three times a day until your symptoms start to decline.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3.    Tea Tree Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This essential oil is a marvelous treatment for any infection. Tea tree oil<\/a> gets its potent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial properties from flavonoids and terpenes found in the extract. The terpenes responsible for these characteristics are terpene-4-ol, and they work like magic for curing paronychia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to some gauze and wrap your finger. You may notice some stinging, but it should fade after a few seconds. If you can\u2019t bear the stinging, we recommend you dilute the oil in a tablespoon of water and soak a cotton ball in the liquid. Apply the cotton ball to the infected digit, and wrap it with plaster to secure the cotton ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repeat this treatment two or three times a day until symptoms of the infection start to fade. Tea tree oil kills off the bacteria, but if you have a fungal infection, then consider adding some oregano essential oil to your tea tree to give the tonic additional anti-fungal properties.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4.    Aloe Vera Gel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Known for its thick, fleshy leaves and green color – the aloe vera plant has a rich history as a topical antibacterial and antiseptic treatment for a variety of ailments. You can take advantage of aloe vera<\/a>\u2019s potent healing properties to treat your paronychia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you live in an area where aloe grows naturally, break off one of the fleshy leaves, and apply the green flesh to your infection for some relief from inflammation and pain associated with paronychia. The polyphenol antioxidants go to work in driving out the inflammation while soothing the nail bed and cuticle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should you not have access to fresh aloe, you can pick up some aloe vera gel from your local health food store. Most aloe vera gels come in strengths ranging for 5-percent to 80-percent aloe concentrate. Apply the gel to your finger or toe and cover with a bandage, you should notice a reduction in your symptoms in 24-hours after starting this treatment.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5.    Raw Honey<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Known as \u201cthe nectar of the gods,\u201d raw honey boasts potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help with the treatment of paronychia infection. Raw honey <\/a>gets these beneficial properties from the presence of live enzymes and bacteria, as well as a dose of hydrogen peroxide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend you look for Manuka honey as your preferred variety for paronychia treatment. This honey comes from bees that collect pollen from the Manuka tree in New Zealand. Manuka honey is darker, with a richer aroma than most other honey varieties. The bees collect the nectar and pollen from the tree’s flowers and pass the beneficial polyphenol anti-oxidant compounds into the honey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always ensure you\u2019re purchasing raw honey that has not undergone the filtration process. Filtered honey like you find in the supermarket removes all of the beneficial compounds, making it no more useful than trying to cure your paronychia using table sugar. Coat your infected digit in honey and wrap it in gauze \u2013 you should notice a reduction in inflammation and pain within 24-hours.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6.    Garlic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone knows that if you want to spice up Italian food and bring out the flavor \u2013 add some garlic<\/a>. However, garlic is well-known for its antibacterial and anti-microbial properties as well, and it\u2019s had a use as a traditional treatment for colds and flu for centuries. The bulbous herb gets its health benefits from the presence of allicin, a polyphenol compound that occurs when you crush the garlic cloves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that the allicin, and its derivatives; alliinase and alliin, found in freshly ground garlic is an effective treatment for getting rids of bacteria \u2013 including E. Coli and Salmonella. Crushed garlic is also a fantastic treatment for getting rid of paronychia infection as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crush a clove of garlic and cover your infected finger or toe in the juices. Cover with gauze and leave it to rest for a few hours. Repeat this treatment twice a day \u2013 or until your family members complain about your smell.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7.    Echinacea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The leaves and flowers of the Echinacea <\/a>plant have a special place in traditional medicine as a cure for influenza and other bacterial infections. The polyphenols and other beneficial compounds in the plant increase the strength and efficiency of the immune system, helping it to overcome infection and disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Echinacea is available in extract form at your local pharmacy, and most brands offer a liquid form of the extract that you can use in the treatment of your paronychia infection as well. Add a few drops to a cotton ball and press it into the infected nail. You may notice an initial sting \u2013 but that\u2019s from the alcohol used to keep the Echinacea extract in suspension. The stinging should fade after a few seconds, and you\u2019ll notice a warm feeling spread throughout the infected digit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue this treatment twice or three times a day until your infection shows signs of healing.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8.    Thyme Essential Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Thyme <\/a>is another herb used in cooking that shows tremendous medicinal value as well. Studies show that thyme extract oil has beneficial antibacterial and anti-microbial properties that kill off the bacteria causing your paronychia infection as well. It\u2019s for this reason that many natural household cleaning solutions use thyme oil extract in their formulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further studies show that thyme oil extract also has a benefit in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria as well, making it the ideal boost to any natural paronychia treatment. Applying the oil directly to your skin may cause some irritation and inflammation, so its best if you dilute it in a teaspoon of olive oil to act as a carrier. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and dab it on your infected finger or toe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a side note, people who are suffering from hypertension or thyroid issues should avoid using thyme oil extract as it may exacerbate your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Warm Soaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best treatments dealing with the effects of paronychia <\/a>involves the use of warm soaks to help the skin recover from the infection. Warm soaks help to loosen up any pus or infectious material in the affected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great way to increase the efficacy of your warm soak is to add essential oils and other components to this natural remedy. Adding essential oil, such as oregano and tea tree, helps to boost the healing power of this soaking method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend that you soak your affected toe or finger in warm water mixed with Epson salts and tea tree oil. This combination is highly effective in helping to remove the infection and prevent it from reoccurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repeat this treatment two to three times a day until you start to notice the infection subside. If you don’t notice any improvement using this soaking method, then the infection may be spreading. If that’s the case, you should return to your physician for another consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Turmeric<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This bright yellow spice comes from India, where it’s a popular addition to food dishes like curries. Turmeric <\/a>also acts as a natural dye in clothing applications, turning anything that it touches bright yellow. However, turmeric also has a potent natural anti-inflammatory effect on the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric gets its anti-inflammatory effect from the presence of curcumin, the compound responsible for reducing inflammation in the GI tract. Indian communities rely on turmeric for several external topical medicinal applications. By mixing the spice with coconut oil, it creates a salve suitable for topical administration on cuts and other skin problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The curcumin in turmeric reduces inflammation of wounds. It’s also an effective solution in lowering the irritation associated with rashes and other forms of auto-immune skin disorders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are dealing with paronychia can benefit from the application of turmeric blended with coconut oil to create a salve. Coating the affected area with this salve reduces the inflammation of the paronychia, providing relief for the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Powdered Licorice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might find it surprising that licorice has more applications than being an ingredient in candy. Powdered licorice <\/a>route is a popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. Natural healers rely on powdered licorice root to provide a potent antiviral antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory remedy against disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of powdered licorice root make it the ideal addition to our salve for controlling the effects of paronychia. The antimicrobial effects fight off the fungi responsible for creating the condition. The anti-inflammatory properties of powdered licorice root also go to work in reducing the inflammation around the affected toe or finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, licorice root extract is such an effective remedy for treating a fungal infection in the human body that many natural healers use it to get rid of ringworm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use your licorice root to heal your paronychia by mixing 3-tablespoons of the powder into a half a cup of boiling water and stir. When the mixture cools, it should form a paste that you can use to cover the affected area. The paste will dry out the paronychia and reduce discomfort associated with the inflammation of the affected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Oregano Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Several natural remedies can help with managing the effects of paronychia. Essential oils made from fresh plant extracts are an example of a potent natural treatment suitable for helping you deal with the impact of a fungi toenail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wild oregano <\/a>is a naturally growing herb containing potent antifungal polyphenols that assist with eradicating the fungi associated with paronychia. The polyphenol is responsible for oreganos mighty healing powers are carvacrol and thymol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that using oil of oregano can help limit and eradicate the growth of candida Albicans fungus in the body. We recommend that you always dilute oil of oregano with a carrier oil such as coconut oil before use. Use an extra-virgin brand of coconut oil, and you will receive additional antibacterial properties from the polyphenols in the oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apply this topical salve to the area around the paronychia at least twice a day. You should begin to see results after three days of applying the ointment to the affected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Coconut Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned previously, extra-virgin coconut oil is an effective carrier oil for many different essential oils and fresh plant extracts. Coconut oil consists of long-chain and medium-chain triglycerides that are effective for providing a delivery system for other essential oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra-virgin coconut oil <\/a>undergoes no filtering or processing. Therefore, the oil contains all its natural polyphenols and beneficial compounds. Coconut oil has potent antibacterial properties that make it suitable for boosting the efficacy of any homemade salve formulation used in the treatment of paronychia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil not only has potent antibacterial properties, but it also helps deal with killing fungal cells by removing the membrane around the cell. As a result, the fungus cannot survive, and the infection begins to subside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut oil also acts as a useful addition to your moisturizing protocol for your feet to prevent further infection from the fungi that cause paronychia. Use it up to two to three times a day on your feet to ensure that your skin remains moist and protected from any pathogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Lemongrass oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, essential oils hold promise for helping you manage the effects of paronychia. Along with oregano oil, lemongrass <\/a>offers you tremendous healing potential to rid your body of persistent fungal infection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The polyphenol compounds found in lemongrass have a potent antimicrobial antibacterial and antifungal effect on the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as with any other essential oil or fresh plant extract, you’ll need to blend lemongrass essential oil with a carrier oil. Once again, we recommend extra-virgin coconut oil as your preferred carrier oil. However, you can use olive oil or any other suitable medium-chain triglyceride that contains polyunsaturated fats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add five to six drops of lemongrass essential oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil. Blend and apply to your paronychia two to three times per day. Lemongrass reduces fungal activity on the skin, and you should notice the effects off the oil start to reduce inflammation around the affected area within one day of use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\r\n

<\/div>