In case of paronychia, the appearance of an abscess after 4 days soaking the infected finger in warm water means that: is my body winning or is the bacteria winning? should a doctor drain the small abscess (2 mm vs 4 mm) or does it go away by itself?

A paronychia is a combination of injury to the nailbed from the nail and infection to the injury. Soaking in warm water is a good treatment, and the appearance of a blister or fluid collection suggests the paronychia is improving. Keep soaking it and it is likely to drain itself. If the swelling is getting bigger and more tender, you may need help.

Seek a podiatrist and have it cared for properly. If you have a nail spicule irritating the skin it will never heal. Home care soak in warm/ hot water apply OTC topical antibiotic will help