Finger whitlow is an infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus. Dakin, Hexomedine, essential oils, operation… Treatments to be done.
Panaris is an infection of the skin or subcutaneous tissues caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus (bacteria). It frequently occurs on the fingers of the hand, generally around the edge of the nail, after often minimal trauma (bite, sting, tearing of skin around the nail, manipulation of the cuticle, ingrown nail, etc.). ).
How to treat a whitlow on your finger with Hexomedine?
A beginner whitlow can be treated with Héxomedine, a local antibacterial and antiseptic solution. “Apply hexomedine transcutaneously with a cotton pad, 3 times a day, for 10 minutes and for 5 days, recommends Dr. Nina Roos, dermatologist. However, this treatment is not recommended in the event of injury or skin erosion in the area, because the antiseptic risks deepening the wound.“.
Dakin water is a local antiseptic lotion based on chlorine, used to disinfect small wounds. It is indicated for treating a beginner whitlow. It is used in different ways:
► When washing: soak a sterile Dakin compress and clean the paronychia twice a day
► In the bath: soak the diseased finger for 10 minutes in Dakin water diluted by half with lukewarm water.
Regardless of the method chosen, the treatment must be carried out for 5 days. “However, it is contraindicated in the event of a wound or excoriations on the area to be soaked in Dakin.“, specifies Dr. Roos.
Should we consider antibiotic treatment to treat a whitlow?
Antibiotic therapy is not systematic to treat a whitlow, whatever its stage. In patients at increased risk of infectious complications (diabetes, immunosuppression for example linked to immunosuppressive treatment) a 7-day oral antibiotic treatment should be considered: cloxacillin (Orbenin or other) is the antibiotic of first choice.
When to resort to surgery?
When the infection progresses and causes a pocket of pus around the nail, causing severe pain, surgical treatment may be necessary. It is carried out in the operating room, under regional anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. “IIt involves removing infected tissue, including the nail if necessary. The samples are then sent to the laboratory for analysis: in general, whitlow is caused by staphylococcus aureus.é”, explains Dr. Roos. Subsequently, the surgeon makes a dressing using compresses and bandages. Healing may require between 2 and 3 weeks.
Are you looking for a natural solution to treat your beginner whitlow? Some essential oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This is particularly the case with Tea-Tree. Dilute 3 drops of this essential oil in a teaspoon of vegetable oil, then apply the preparation 4 times a day to your whitlow until improvement. Niaouli essential oil is also a powerful antiseptic. Place 4 drops of this essence on a hot compress. Apply it to your whitlow 5 times a day for 10 minutes.
How to treat a whitlow in a baby?
Baths carried out with Dakin Water or Hexomedine can be carried out on babies, provided that the whitlow is a beginner. Ask your pediatrician or pharmacist for advice. “If after two days of this treatment, the whitlow has not resolved, make an appointment with your doctor.“, recommends the dermatologist.
What treatment for pregnant women?
If whitlow is only just beginning, treatment with local antiseptics will be enough to treat it. A medical appointment is therefore not necessary from the start, unless you have diabetes. If the infection progresses, treatment with antibiotics may be necessary. Here again, a medical appointment is necessary because certain medications are prohibited for you while you are pregnant.
What is the healing time for a finger whitlow?
On average, a whitlow can last between 5 and 10 days depending on the speed of treatment and the stage of the disease. This is why it is recommended not to let the infection persist.
Thanks to Dr. Nina Roos, dermatologist in Paris.
