What is a paronychia?
A person with a paronychia has a bacterial infection of the skin next to a fingernail or toenail. A paronychia is caused by an infection with bacteria that are normally on the surface of the skin. The nail causes a small injury to the skin, and then the bacteria enter the tissue beneath the skin surface and start to grow. A paronychia is more common in those who have an ingrown fingernail or ingrown toenail.

What are the symptoms of a paronychia?
Symptoms of paronychia include finger pain or toe pain, as well as swelling, tenderness, and redness nest to the fingernail or toenail. In addition, pus may drain form the skin next to the nail.

How does the doctor treat a paronychia?
Treatment for paronychia may include warm soaks, antibiotics, and narcotic pain medications. A large paronychia may require incision and drainage, which is a procedure that releases the pus from within the paronychia.