What should you know about green paronychia?

Paronychia is inflammation or infection of the skin beside or beneath a nail. A green shade often appears when moisture becomes trapped under a partly lifted nail or in a damaged nail fold, allowing bacteria to multiply. It may occur after nail biting, picking at cuticles, manicures, repeated hand washing, dishwashing, or prolonged contact with water. The colour alone cannot show whether a collection of pus is present or identify the exact cause.

The surrounding skin may be tender, warm, swollen, or red. A pocket of pus can make the area throb and may limit movement of the nearby finger. A chronic problem can cause persistent cuticle swelling, ridges, or changes in nail growth; yeast and other irritants may also contribute when the nail fold stays wet.

Gently wash the finger or toe, pat it completely dry, and protect it from further soaking. Wear gloves with a dry cotton liner for wet tasks, avoid biting or cutting the cuticle, and do not pull off a loose nail. Keep pressure off a painful toe and pause manicures or artificial nails until the skin has recovered.

Do not pierce, squeeze, or scrape the discoloured area at home. A clinician can examine whether the nail is separated, whether pus needs to be released, and whether a prescription treatment is appropriate. Antibiotics may be considered for a bacterial skin infection, but the choice depends on the examination and the extent of inflammation.

Arrange prompt medical care if pain or swelling is increasing, pus is visible, redness is spreading, a red streak travels up the finger or toe, or the joint becomes difficult to move. Seek urgent help for fever, feeling markedly unwell, rapidly worsening swelling, numbness, or severe pain out of proportion to the visible changes.

Have the area assessed sooner if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or a weakened immune system. A persistent green nail change without much skin inflammation also deserves review, because trauma, nail separation, or another nail disorder can look similar.

Ask whether the colour is coming from the nail plate, the nail fold, or fluid beneath a lifted nail; whether there is an abscess that needs drainage; and how long to keep the area dry. You can also ask which warning signs should bring you back and whether repeated water exposure, nail products, eczema, or another skin condition may be maintaining the problem.