Paronychia is an infection of the skin just next to a nail (the nail fold). The infected nail fold looks swollen, red and feels tender.
What are the symptoms of paronychia?
There is a swelling next to the fingernail, in the skin around the nail bed. The area is often hot, red and tender. Pus may be visible. There may be an associated fever although this is not common.
What causes paronychia?
The most common cause is bacteria, these tend to cause a sudden-onset (acute) paronychia which is painful. A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus, which usually lives harmlessly on our skin, is most often the cause.
Paronychia is more likely to develop if the hands are in water for long periods, particularly with detergents. Constant washing may damage the nail fold and allow infection to develop.
A break in the skin allows the bacteria which are already living on the skin to get inside. Examples which make paronychia more likely include:
✅Nail biting
✅Picking at the skin around the nails.
✅Getting splinters in the skin around the nails.
Treatment
If you feel your symptoms relate to paronychia, then please fill in the e-consultation form and choose your preferred consultation method. Our clinicians will assess your symptoms and if necessary will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment.