What should you know about cat paronychia?

The skin beside a fingernail or toenail can become irritated after biting, picking, manicures, a splinter, or repeated exposure to water and chemicals. Bacteria may enter through the damaged edge; yeast can contribute when inflammation continues. Acute symptoms often develop quickly, while recurring swelling may reflect ongoing irritation or another nail condition. The fingertip can throb and the nail may change as inflammation persists.

Keep the digit clean and dry, avoid cutting or pushing back the cuticle, and stop biting or picking the nail. Gentle warm-water soaks may soothe early discomfort, followed by careful drying. Do not pierce or squeeze a suspected abscess yourself. A clinician may recommend a suitable topical medicine, antibiotics when bacterial infection warrants them, or drainage when pus has collected.

Arrange assessment if swelling contains pus, pain is worsening, redness is spreading, the nail is lifting, or symptoms keep returning. Seek prompt care for fever, red streaks, severe throbbing, reduced finger movement, or diabetes or immune problems, because infection can extend beyond the nail fold.

Ask whether the problem is bacterial, yeast-related, or irritation, whether an abscess needs drainage, how to protect the nail while it heals, and what habits or exposures may be causing repeated episodes.