Paronychia symptoms, causes, diagnosis & treatment

#paronychia #symptoms #causes #diagnosis #treatment #pillshill Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail of at least one finger or toe. It typically develops around the edges of the nail at the bottom or sides. This skin infection causes inflammation, swelling, and discomfort around the nail. Abscesses containing pus can also form. There are two types of paronychia: Acute paronychia. This develops over hours or days. The infection does not usually spread deep into the finger, and treatment can reduce symptoms relatively quickly. Chronic paronychia. This occurs when symptoms last for at least 6 weeks. It develops more slowly and can become more serious. Chronic paronychia often affects several digits at once. Paronychia can occur at any age and is easily treatable. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the rest of the finger or toe. If this happens, a person should see their doctor. Some symptoms of paronychia resemble those of different skin infections. Other symptoms directly affect the nail itself. Paronychia symptoms include: swelling, tenderness, and redness around the nail puss-filled abscesses hardening of the nail deformation or damage to the nail the nail separating from the nail-bed The infection occurs when the skin around the nail becomes damaged, allowing germs to enter. Bacteria or fungi can cause paronychia. Common causes of skin damage around the nail include: biting or chewing the nails clipping the nails too short manicures excessive exposure of the hands to moisture, including frequently sucking the finger ingrown nails