Paronychia can develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold, causing an infection. The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail. The nail fold is where the skin and nail come together.

Understanding the Context

Healthcare providers treat paronychia with antibiotics to kill the infection. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cuticle infections, a common condition that can cause pain, swelling, and redness around the nails. Learn how to spot and treat a mild cuticle infection at home, and when it’s time to see a doctor. An acute paronychia typically is caused by an infection with bacteria that invade the skin where it was injured.

Key Insights

The injury can be caused by overaggressive manicuring (especially cutting or tearing the cuticle, which is the rim of paper-thin skin that outlines the outer margins of your nail). Acute paronychia is one of the most common hand infections and usually occurs when bacteria enter the skin through an open wound like a split in a cuticle causing an infection. What is paronychia? Paronychia is a skin infection around the fingernails or toenails. It usually affects the skin at the base (cuticle) or up the sides of the nail.

Final Thoughts

There are two types of paronychia: Acute: comes on suddenly and may not last long; it usually occurs on fingers. Chronic: lasts longer and may occur on your fingers or toes. In the same way a dermatologist will tell you that SPF is imperative for your face, a nail tech will wax lyrical about the importance of a cuticle oil. Not just hydrating heroes, the best cuticle oils ... Knowing what to do with infected cuticle comes down to swift action: cleanse gently but thoroughly; soak regularly; maintain hygiene; avoid aggravating behaviors; use appropriate topical treatments; and seek medical help if symptoms escalate.