paronychia
Infected nail fold
Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail, causing redness, swelling, and pain at the nail fold.
It typically results from bacteria entering through a break in the skin—often from nail biting, hangnails, or aggressive manicuring.
Acute cases may form pus and require drainage; chronic paronychia develops gradually in people whose hands are frequently wet.
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- staphylococcusSpherical bacteria in clusters
- streptococcusSpherical bacteria in chains
- pusInfected tissue fluid
- abscessLocalized pus collection
antibiotics · cellulitis · fungal · sepsis · culture · pathogen · microorganisms · contagious
Dead skin at nail base
- nailbedSkin under fingernails
- fingernailKeratinous digit cover
- toenailFoot digit's keratin plate
- hangnailTorn cuticle fragment
keratin · nail plate · digit · finger · toe
Anxious fingertip chewing
- hangnailTorn cuticle fragment
- manicureCosmetic fingertip grooming
- pedicureCosmetic toenail care
- ingrown nailNail piercing its bed
trauma · splinter · thorn · dishwashing · wet hands
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
- painBodily or emotional distress
warmth · erythema · edema · sensitivity · discomfort · soreness · inflammation · discharge
Liquid removal system
- incisionControlled cut into tissue
- antibioticsBacteria-destroying medicines
- antifungalsMedications targeting mycotic infections
- antisepticMicrobe-killing substance
elevation · bandage · wound care · debridement · nail removal · topical treatment · oral medication · home remedy
bacteria
Nucleus-free single-celled organisms
- staphylococcusSpherical bacteria in clusters
- streptococcusSpherical bacteria in chains
- pusInfected tissue fluid
abscess · antibiotics · cellulitis · fungal · sepsis · culture · pathogen · microorganisms · contagious · wound
cuticle
Dead skin at nail base
- nailbedSkin under fingernails
- fingernailKeratinous digit cover
- toenailFoot digit's keratin plate
nail biting
Anxious fingertip chewing
ingrown nail · trauma · splinter · thorn · dishwashing · wet hands
swelling
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- throbbingRhythmic painful pulsing
pain · warmth · erythema · edema · sensitivity · discomfort · soreness · inflammation · discharge · discoloration
drainage
Liquid removal system
- incisionControlled cut into tissue
- antibioticsBacteria-destroying medicines
- antifungalsMedications targeting mycotic infections
antiseptic · elevation · bandage · wound care · debridement · nail removal · topical treatment · oral medication · home remedy