What causes paronychia?

A torn cuticle, hangnail, biting, manicure trauma, splinter or repeated wet exposure can create an entry point beside the nail. Acute paronychia often follows a small injury and may involve bacteria, causing rapid redness, swelling, throbbing and pus. Chronic inflammation can follow ongoing water, detergent or chemical exposure; yeast, including a Skin Yeast Infection, may contribute in some cases. The nail can become ridged or change shape when inflammation persists. A clinician distinguishes infection from irritation, eczema and other nail disorders.

Keep the area clean and dry, avoid biting or cutting the cuticle, and protect hands from prolonged water or cleaning products. Do not puncture a swollen nail fold yourself. A clinician may recommend local care, Antibiotics For Skin Infection when bacterial infection is suspected, or drainage when a collection of pus has formed. Treatment depends on whether the process is acute, chronic, irritant or yeast-related.

Arrange care if swelling, tenderness or redness persists, pus develops, the infection spreads, or the nail starts lifting or changing. Seek prompt medical attention for fever, red streaks, severe throbbing pain, reduced finger movement, or infection in someone with impaired immunity or poor circulation. A painful swelling at the fingertip may need Abscess Drainage rather than home care.

Ask whether the cause appears bacterial, yeast-related or irritant, whether pus needs drainage, how to protect the cuticle, and what nail changes should be monitored during recovery.