Painful paronychia

The nail fold can become inflamed after a hangnail, manicure, biting, picking, repeated wet work, or a small break in the skin. Sudden pain and a pocket of pus suggest an acute infection. Ongoing swelling or tenderness may follow repeated moisture or irritation, and yeast can contribute in some cases. The nail may develop ridges or change its attachment when inflammation continues. A clinician checks the surrounding skin and nail before choosing treatment.

Keep the finger or toe clean and dry, avoid biting or cutting the cuticle, and protect it from detergents and further trauma. Warm water soaks may ease discomfort when advised, followed by careful drying. Do not cut into the nail fold or try to release pus with a needle. If a collection has formed, a clinician may need to drain it; antibiotics are used only when the clinical assessment supports them.

Arrange prompt care if pus is building, redness is spreading, pain is worsening, or the fingertip becomes very swollen. Seek urgent help for fever, red streaks, severe throbbing pain, difficulty bending the finger, or a rapidly changing nail. People with diabetes or reduced immunity should seek advice early after a nail-fold injury.

Ask whether this is acute or ongoing paronychia, whether yeast or bacteria may be involved, if drainage is needed, how to protect the cuticle, and how to recognise deeper fingertip infection.