Paronychia (nail bed infection)
About Paronychia (nail bed infection)
A skin infection at one corner of a fingernail or toenail. Pus containing bacteria collects beneath the skin and causes painful swelling. A paronychia usually forms where there is an ingrown area of nail. An ingrown nail is a margin of nail that pokes into the skin, near the top of the nail. Ingrown nails are caused by trimming the corner of a nail too short .Symptoms
Painful red swelling around the nail, pus draining from one side of a nail, throbbing finger or toe, swelling and tenderness of cuticle.Tests & Diagnostics
The finger or toe will be examined. The diagnosis does not require special tests.OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Warm soaks may resolve this problem. Paronychia infections often require minor surgery to drain the infection. They more reliably heal if a portion of the fingernail or toenail is removed by minor surgery. If this problem affects multiple nails of the hands, it may be from repeated wetness of the hands and yeast or fungus irritation, and may require anti-fungal medicine and gloves to keep the hands dry during housework.Medical specialties
Internal Medicine · Dermatology · Hand Surgery · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Podiatry · Foot and Ankle Surgery
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Paronychia (nail bed infection).