A 29-year-old woman presents with a 2-day history of rapidly spreading erythema and tenderness around the lateral nail fold of her right index finger ...

Question

A 29-year-old woman presents with a 2-day history of rapidly spreading erythema and tenderness around the lateral nail fold of her right index finger after a manicure. There is a small abscess with pus. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Incision and drainage of the abscess, with or without oral antibiotics

Answer

Warm saline soaks alone

Answer

Immediate intravenous antibiotics only

Answer

Topical steroid cream

Answer

Application of silver nitrate

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute paronychia

A 29-year-old woman presents with a 2-day history of rapidly spreading erythema and tenderness around the lateral nail fold of her right index finger after a manicure. There is a small abscess with pus. What is the most appropriate initial management?