What should you know about foot paronychia?

Paronychia affects the skin where the nail meets the toe. The fold may become red, swollen, tender, or warm, and fluid or pus can collect beside the nail. A small break in the skin, nail biting, aggressive trimming, an ingrown nail, tight footwear, or repeated wet exposure can allow germs to enter.

A short-lived infection is often bacterial, while ongoing inflammation may involve irritation or yeast such as a skin yeast infection. A clinician may inspect the nail, surrounding skin, and circulation before deciding whether medicine, a culture, or a procedure is needed.

Keep the toe clean and dry, wash gently, and avoid pulling at the cuticle or cutting down the nail corners. Wear roomy shoes and change damp socks. Do not pierce or squeeze a pocket of pus at home, because pressure can drive infection deeper or injure the nail bed.

If a clinician prescribes antibiotics for a skin infection, use them exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course unless the prescriber changes it. A collection of pus may need abscess drainage; relief can depend on opening and emptying it safely rather than relying on tablets alone.

Arrange prompt assessment if redness is spreading, pain is increasing, pus is collecting, the toe is difficult to move, or symptoms are not settling with gentle care. Seek urgent help for fever, red streaks, marked swelling, severe pain, numbness, or a rapidly worsening toe, particularly if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced immunity.

Ask whether the problem is bacterial, yeast-related, or caused by an ingrown nail; whether drainage is needed; how to dress the area; and how long to avoid swimming, sport, or tight shoes. Mention recurrent episodes, allergies, diabetes, and medicines that affect immunity.