{"id":659,"date":"2025-07-06T14:05:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T14:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/podcare.gr\/?post_type=pathology&p=659"},"modified":"2026-04-19T10:34:55","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T10:34:55","slug":"paronychia","status":"publish","type":"pathology","link":"https:\/\/podcare.gr\/en\/pathology\/paronychia\/","title":{"rendered":"Paronychia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin surrounding the nail. It may occur suddenly (acute paronychia<\/strong>) or be long-lasting and recurrent (chronic paronychia<\/strong>). It is usually caused by bacteria, fungi, or irritation of the skin, and if not treated promptly, it may lead to infection and abscess formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes and Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Injury or repeated minor trauma to the skin around the nail.
\u2013 Improper nail care, such as excessive cutting of the cuticles or picking around the nail with sharp objects.
\u2013 Frequent exposure to moisture (for example, waiters, nurses, and cleaners).
\u2013 Skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, which make the skin more vulnerable.
\u2013 Chronic fungal infections, which may weaken the skin around the nail.
\u2013 The habit of picking or pulling at the nails or hangnails, which increases the risk of bacterial entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Acute Paronychia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Sudden redness, swelling, and pain around the nail.
\u2013 Presence of pus at the site of inflammation.
\u2013 Warmth and tenderness in the affected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronic Paronychia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Recurrent irritation and mild swelling over a long period of time.
\u2013 Persistent moisture and discoloration of the skin around the nail.
\u2013 Separation, thickening, or deformity of the nail, especially if there is an associated fungal infection or if nail growth has been affected by the inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment and Management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Home Care (for mild cases)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Foot soak with lukewarm water, salt, and Betadine 2\u20133 times a day to help reduce inflammation.
\u2013 Antibiotic ointment.
\u2013 Covering the area with sterile gauze if there is an open wound or fluid discharge.
\u2013 Avoiding moisture: keep the area clean and dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Medical Treatment (for more severe cases)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Oral antibiotics if there is significant infection and pus.
\u2013 Antifungal treatment if chronic fungal paronychia is present.
\u2013 Steroid creams if the inflammation is related to skin conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Professional Treatment (for severe or recurrent cases)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Drainage of pus.
\u2013 Partial nail removal if the paronychia persists and causes a chronic problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 Proper nail care: trim nails straight across and avoid cutting too close to the skin.
\u2013 Avoid pulling at hangnails.
\u2013 Good foot hygiene: change socks frequently, wash the feet daily, and dry them very thoroughly after showering.
\u2013 Use appropriate footwear, paying attention to both size and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Visit a Podiatrist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 If the paronychia does not improve after a few days or becomes chronic.
\u2013 If there is severe pain, swelling, or pus.
\u2013 If the infection is spreading or if you have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes.
\u2013 If you want to investigate the underlying causes in order to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
\u2013 If you notice changes in the colour or thickness of the nail.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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