Nails & Lips
Paronychia
WHAT IS IT
Infection/inflammation of the nail fold
HOW COMMON
Very common
CONTAGIOUS?
No — you cannot catch it or spread it
CURABLE?
Yes — with proper care
What Is It?
Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. Acute paronychia comes on quickly with redness, swelling, and pain, sometimes with pus, usually from a bacterial infection. Chronic paronychia develops slowly from ongoing moisture and irritation, often with mild swelling of several nail folds.
Signs & Symptoms
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Redness, swelling, and tenderness around the nail
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Pus or a small abscess (in acute cases)
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Throbbing pain in an acutely infected finger
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Chronic: mild swelling of several nail folds, nail changes
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Loss of the cuticle in chronic cases
Why Does It Happen?
Acute paronychia usually follows a break in the skin — a hangnail, nail biting, or minor trauma — that lets bacteria in. Chronic paronychia results from repeated exposure to water, irritants, or moisture (common in people who do wet work), which damages the nail fold barrier and can allow yeast to take hold. It is NOT contagious.
Treatment Options
Acute paronychia is treated with warm soaks and, if needed, drainage and antibiotics. Chronic paronychia is managed by keeping the area dry and reducing irritant exposure.
WARM SOAKS
Soaking eases pain and helps early acute paronychia settle.
DRAINAGE
A small abscess may need to be drained for relief.
ANTIBIOTICS / ANTIFUNGALS
Antibiotics for acute infection; keeping dry (± antifungal) for chronic.
PROTECT THE NAIL FOLDS
Gloves and moisture control heal and prevent chronic cases.
Tips for Managing It at Home
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Keep hands dry; wear waterproof gloves for wet work
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Don't bite nails or push back cuticles aggressively
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Warm soaks a few times daily for acute flares
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Moisturize and avoid irritants to protect the nail folds
When to Call Your Provider
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Increasing pain, swelling, or spreading redness
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Pus or an abscess that needs draining
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Fever, or infection spreading up the finger
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Chronic changes not improving with dry, gentle care
Sources & further reading
The information in this handout is based on general dermatology guidance from the reputable organizations below. These links are provided for patients who wish to read more from trusted sources.
DermNet. Paronychia. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/acute-paronychia
Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA). Nail Health & Care. https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/diseases-conditions/nail-conditions/general-information/
MSD/Merck Manual. Paronychia. https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/nail-disorders/paronychia
Cleveland Clinic. Paronychia. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/paronychia
This handout is for general education and does not replace advice from your own provider. Always follow your provider’s specific instructions.
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