How should I advise patients on preventive measures to avoid recurrent paronychia?

Advise patients on preventive measures to avoid recurrent paronychia as follows:

• Avoid using cuticle removers or trimming the cuticle to prevent trauma to the nail area.
• Advise against nail picking, biting, or sucking, as these behaviours predispose to recurrent infection.
• Keep nails clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.
• For patients who work in moist environments (e.g., dishwashers), recommend wearing gloves, preferably cotton-lined, to protect fingers from frequent water and detergent exposure.
• After washing hands, patients should thoroughly dry them with a clean towel and apply an antibacterial moisturizer to maintain skin integrity.
• Trim hangnails carefully to a smooth, semi-lunar edge and avoid manipulation of the nail folds.
• Advise patients to seek medical review if paronychia recurs, enlarges, or does not improve, as swabbing and targeted treatment may be necessary.

These measures help reduce trauma and moisture exposure, which are key factors in recurrent paronychia.

NICE CKS