Paronychia is infection of skin around nails, often causing redness, swelling, and pain.

It can happen from bacteria, fungi, or both entering through damage in the skin.

Symptoms are redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus near the nail.

The infection isn’t usually contagious, but germs causing it can be.

Diagnosis usually comes from checking it out physically, but sometimes tests are done to find out the specific germ.

Acute paronychia happens fast and is often due to bacteria, while chronic paronychia lasts weeks and is usually caused by fungus.

Mild cases may heal on their own, but bad or lasting infections need a doctor's help.

Treatments can include warm soaks, antibiotics or antifungal meds, and sometimes draining if there is pus.

Antibiotics work for bacterial infections but not for fungal ones.

Fungal paronychia is treated with antifungal medications, either on skin or by mouth, depending on how bad it is.

Yes, paronychia can happen around both fingernails and toenails.

No, it is not safe; poor draining can make infection worse. A healthcare worker should do it.

If not treated, infections can form abscesses or spread into deeper tissues.

Warm water soaks and good nail care can help, but lasting cases need a doctor's check.

Prevention includes not biting nails, carefully trimming nails, and keeping hands dry and clean.

Yes, it can happen with other nail issues, like ingrown nails or fungal infections.

Avoid biting nails, picking skin around nails, and contact with irritants.

Yes, if root causes like injury or fungal infections are not taken care of.

Go to a doctor if symptoms stay, get worse, or if you have health issues affecting healing.

Bad or chronic paronychia can lead to nail changes or discoloration.

Acute cases might resolve in days to a week, while chronic cases can take weeks or longer to heal with treatment.

Yes, nail biting can create openings for germs to get in.

Warm soaks help blood flow and can draw out the infection, giving some relief.

Yes, being around water a lot can lead to chronic paronychia.

Covering it can help protect from getting more irritated, but keep it dry and clean.

Yes, using tools that are not clean or bad methods can lead to tego. Pathogens.

Most cases treated in outpatient, but bad infections may need hospital care.

Yes, diabetes can slow healing and make it easier to get infections.

Cut nails straight across and do not round edges to avoid ingrown nails.

Severe infections can cause fever; get medical help if this happens.

Yes, if allergic or nails too covered too often with no rest.

Yes, ingrown nails can cause paronychia by allowing infection in.

Yes, often from nail biting or thumb sucking.

Conditions like diabetes, weak immune systems, or eczema can make it more likely.

Sometimes, specific medications might affect nails or immune system, raising risk.

Topical treatments can work well, especially for mild infections or fungus.

Usually not serious, but repeated infections might suggest other health issues needing check-up.

Stress itself doesn’t cause it but can lead to nail-biting or habits that increase risk.

Wetness helps fungi grow and can harm skin barriers.

Some OTC antifungal creams can help, but it's wise to see a doctor for good treatment.

Hydrogen peroxide can clean, but too much can irritate skin; check with a doctor.

They make a small cut to let pus out, often numbing the area for comfort.

Sure, mild cases may heal, but worse cases generally need medical help.

Yes, especially those with weak immune systems or hands often in moisture.

Warm water can help relieve symptoms with short soaks, but too much may irritate skin.

Yes, poor nutrition can hurt the immune system and skin health, contributing indirectly.

Vinegar may help with fungus but use it carefully, not as the only treatment.

Probiotics don’t directly affect it, but a healthy gut helps general immune health.

Yes, wearing gloves can protect against irritants and too much moisture.

Alcohol sanitizers can irritate broken skin, so use carefully and moisturize after.