Paronychia is an infection of the skin a...

Paronychia is an infection of the skin around your fingernails and toenails. Bacteria or a type of yeast called Candida typically cause this infection. Bacteria and yeast can even combine in one infection. Depending on the cause of the infection, paronychia may come on slowly and last for weeks or show up suddenly and last for only one or two days. The symptoms of paronychia are easy to spot and can usually be easily and successfully treated with little or no damage to your skin and nails. Your infection can become severe and even result in a partial or complete loss of your nail if it’s not treated. Home treatments are often very successful in treating mild cases. If you have a collection of pus under the skin, you can soak the infected area in warm water several times per day and dry it thoroughly afterward. The soaking will encourage the area to drain on its own. We may prescribe an antibiotic if the infection is more severe or if it isn’t responding to home treatments. You may also need to have blisters or abscesses drained of fluids to relieve discomfort and speed healing.