Does the nail ever have to be removed when one has a paronychia?

In some severe cases of paronychia where the infection has involved the fingernail, one may require partial or complete removal of the nail. In the majority of cases, antibiotics are very rarely required once the pus is drained. It is not necessary to obtain cultures from the fluid that is drained. However, some physicians may obtain cultures if the infection is severe. After drainage, one should continue with warm soaks. Healing takes anywhere from 5-7 days and in a few weeks the finger and nail will appear normal.