Red ring around finger cuticle paronychia w/out pus appeared suddenly. clipped hangnail 2 days ago. soaking but no change. not warm. tx?

Red ring at nail: still sounds like early infection or at least irritation. Continue hot soaks and monitor. It will declare itself in the next 3-5 days if it is going to either get better or get worse. Best of luck.

Soak it, for now: As someone who has both treated and suffered from paronychiae in the past, I feel your pain. Continue soaking it for now. If it becomes red, swollen, and more painful you may be developing a small abscess that should be drained. If it persists, you may need to see a doctor to have it drained. It sounds worse than it is. The relief you will feel after drainage will be immense.

Stop the soaking and: use neosporin or triple antibiotic cream if you are not already doing so. If the redness starts to spread, you finger feels warm, you have fevers and/or chills, see your doctor.