Paronychia (Nail Fold Infection) - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Medically reviewed by Dr. Anand S. Urhekar, MD, MD Pathology, Clinical Advisor · Last updated July 2026
Inflammation or infection of the skin fold around a fingernail or toenail. Acute paronychia comes on over days with redness, throbbing pain and often pus, usually from a staphylococcal infection after nail-biting or a hangnail. Chronic paronychia develops over weeks in people whose hands are frequently wet, with boggy swelling and cuticle loss.
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Quick Answer
Paronychia is infection of the nail fold. The acute form causes rapid redness, throbbing and pus, usually from Staphylococcus aureus after nail-biting or a torn hangnail, and responds to warm soaks and antibiotics — an abscess needs draining. The chronic form affects people with constantly wet hands, causes boggy swelling with cuticle loss, and is managed by keeping hands dry plus topical steroid and antifungal treatment.
Symptoms
- Red, swollen, tender skin beside the nail
- Throbbing pain in acute cases
- Pus collection at the nail fold
- Loss of the cuticle and boggy swelling in chronic cases
- Nail ridging or discolouration over time
Causes & Risk Factors
- Staphylococcus aureus after nail-biting, hangnails or manicures
- Prolonged wet work (cleaners, bartenders, healthcare, catering)
- Candida colonisation in chronic cases
- Diabetes and immunosuppression
- Retinoid and some cancer drug therapy
Treatment & Management
- Warm soaks three to four times daily for early acute cases
- Oral or topical antibiotics for bacterial infection
- Incision and drainage if an abscess has formed
- Strict hand-drying and glove use for chronic paronychia
- Topical corticosteroid plus antifungal for chronic disease
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if there is visible pus, spreading redness, fever, throbbing that stops you sleeping, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drain paronychia myself?
No. Squeezing or cutting it at home risks driving infection deeper into the finger pulp or tendon sheath. A clinician can drain it safely under local anaesthetic.
Why does chronic paronychia keep coming back?
Because the cuticle seal is lost, water and irritants keep entering the nail fold. Recovery needs months of consistent dryness and glove use alongside medication.
Related Conditions
Medical References
Information on this page is sourced from and verified against reputable medical resources:
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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content on this page should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of your condition.