DAREJD simple technique of draining acute paronychia

The severe deformities of the fingers seen in poorly treated or late presenting cases of paronychia stimulated this prospective study. The aim was to make early diagnosis and to find a simple method of draining the pus in the paronychia. This was a prospective hospital based study at the Wesley Guild Hospital (WGH) Ilesa for 9 months. Using simple materials like 23G or 21G needle, cotton wool, chlorohexidine solution, methlylated spirit and zinc oxide plaster, abscess in acute paronychia was drained by lifting the nail fold with the tip of the needle. Ten cases of paronychia in 8 patients were drained with the method. Combination of the early drainage and antibiotics showed that all the patients were relieved of pain and could use their fingers normally within 2 days. There was no need of anesthesia and daily dressing. The drainage technique is simple and effective. The early drainage prevents the occurrence of any form of complication.