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What Is Paronychia?

Paronychia (pronounced: pair-uh-NIK-ee-uh) is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail. The infected area can get swollen, red, and painful. Sometimes a pus-filled blister may form.


You're not likely to get paronychia in a toe (unless you have an ingrown toenail). But fingernail paronychia is one of the most common hand infections there is


What Causes Paronychia?


Common paronychia causes include:

  • biting or pulling off a hangnail
  • frequent sucking on a finger
  • clipping a nail too short or trimming the cuticle (the skin around the sides and bottom of the nail)
  • getting manicures
  • having hands in water a lot (as from a job washing dishes in a restaurant)

Some people get paronychia infections after a manicure or using from chemicals in the glue used with artificial nails. Certain health conditions (like diabetes) also can make paronychia more likely. And if your hands are in water a lot (if you wash dishes at a restaurant, for example), that ups the chances of getting paronychia.

What Are the Signs of Paronychia?

Chances are, if you have paronychia, it will be easy to recognize. There will be an area of skin around a nail that is painful and tender when you touch it. The area probably will be red and swollen and feel warm. You may see a pus-filled blister.

If the paronychia has been there a long time, the nail may turn a different color. It might not be its usual shape or might look as if it's coming away from the nail bed.

What Should You Do?



If paronychia becomes severe and you don't see a doctor, infection can spread through the finger or toe and move into the rest of the body. Luckily, this is very rare.

What Do Doctors Do?

Usually, a doctor or nurse practitioner will be able to diagnose paronychia just by examining the infected area. In some cases, a doctor may take a pus sample to be examined in a laboratory to determine what type of germ is causing the infection.

If you have diabetes, let your doctor know if you notice any signs of paronychia, even if it seems mild.


If someone has fungal paronychia, a doctor may prescribe antifungal creams, lotions, or other medicines.

Can Paronychia Be Prevented?

Here are some things that can lessen your chances of developing paronychia:

  • Don't cut nails too short. Trim your fingernails and toenails with clippers or manicure scissors, and smooth the sharp corners with an emery board or nail file. The best time to do this is after a bath or shower, when your nails are softer.
  • Don't push your cuticles back, trim them, or use cuticle remover. Damaging your cuticles gives bacteria a way to get into your skin and cause an infection.
  • If you'll be washing a lot of dishes or if your hands might be coming into contact with chemicals, wear rubber gloves.
  • Practice good hygiene: keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
  • If you get manicures or pedicures at a nail salon, consider bringing along your own clippers, nail files, and other tools.

As much as possible, try to avoid injuring your nails and the skin around them. Nails grow slowly. Any damage to them can last a long time.

Date reviewed: January 2015