What is paronychia?

Paronychia is a common nail disease primarily caused by inflammation of the tissues surrounding the sides of the fingernails or toenails. It frequently occurs in individuals who often have contact with water or detergents, those who bite their nails, and people who frequently have manicures or have ingrown nails. Paronychia can be classified into acute and chronic types. Acute paronychia is usually caused by bacterial infection following minor trauma, with symptoms including redness, swelling, and pain around the nail, and possibly pus formation in severe cases. Chronic paronychia, on the other hand, may result from fungal infections, such as Candida, or long-term irritation, and is characterized by separation of the nail fold from the nail plate and changes in nail morphology. Treatment options for paronychia include topical medications, oral medications, and minimally invasive surgical procedures, the choice of which should be made according to the individual condition under a doctor's guidance. Key measures for preventing paronychia include maintaining good nail hygiene, avoiding excessive trimming of nails and picking at the cuticles, and keeping the area around the nails dry.