Nail Bed Inflammation (Paronychia): Therapy

Patients with diabetes mellitus often present with paronychia (nail bed inflammation) due to their weakened immune status. For therapy of nail bed inflammation, the treatment of diabetes mellitus is paramount (see under the corresponding disease). The following recommendations apply to all patients with paronychia – regardless of the cause of the conditions.

General measures

  • Immobilization and elevation

Conventional nonsurgical therapy methods

  • Regular application of antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory), antiseptic (pathogen-killing) solutions or creams.
  • If necessary, finger baths
  • In the presence of infection with a bacterium: systemic antibiotic administration.

Regular checkups

  • Regular medical checkups

Nutritional medicine

  • Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
  • Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
    • A total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruit daily (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit).
    • High-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables).
  • Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
    • Diet rich in:
      • Trace elements (zinc)
      • Omega-3 fatty acids – alpha-linolenic acid (vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables), eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (fresh sea fish once or twice a week, i.e. fatty marine fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel).
      • Probiotic foods (if necessary, dietary supplements with probiotic cultures).
  • Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis
  • See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
  • Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.