How to treat paronychia at home

Paronychia is inflammation or infection beside the fingernail or toenail. The surrounding skin can become red, swollen, tender, or warm, and a small pocket of pus may form. A torn cuticle, nail biting, manicure injury, hangnail, or repeated contact with water can create an entry point. Yeast can also contribute, especially when the nail fold stays damp; see Skin Yeast Infection for related information.

Soak the affected digit in comfortably warm water for about fifteen minutes, several times through the day, then pat it completely dry. Wash gently with soap and water, avoid squeezing or piercing the swelling, and cover it with a clean, loose dressing if friction is likely. Keep hands or feet dry between care, wear roomy footwear for a toe problem, and stop nail biting, picking, and cuticle cutting. Do not share nail tools. A clinician may recommend Antibiotics For Skin Infection when bacterial infection needs treatment; a visible collection may need Abscess Drainage.

Arrange medical care if redness spreads, pain becomes marked, pus collects, the nail changes, or home measures do not start helping. Seek urgent assessment for fever, red streaks, rapidly increasing swelling, severe throbbing, trouble moving the digit, or feeling unwell. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system should seek advice early.

Ask whether this looks bacterial, yeast-related, or irritated; whether the nail needs protection; and whether drainage or prescription treatment is appropriate.