How is paronychia caused?

Paronychia is an inflammation caused by bacterial infection, commonly occurring in the folds of skin around the nails. Common causes include: 1. Poor personal hygiene: If patients do not wash their hands frequently or trim their nails regularly, bacteria can easily grow and multiply. These bacteria may enter the body through breaks in the skin or nails, causing infection. 2. Improper footwear: Wearing tight shoes can compress the edges of the toenails, forcing them to grow into the soft tissue of the nail folds. This friction between the nail and the surrounding tissue can cause swelling of the soft tissue and subsequently trigger paronychia. 3. Malnutrition: This can lead to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to bacterial invasion. Additionally, malnutrition can cause dry, fragile skin that is more prone to injury, increasing the risk of paronychia. 4. Trauma: If the nail area sustains injury and is not treated promptly or properly, bacterial infection can easily develop, increasing the likelihood of developing paronychia. 5. Humid and warm environments: Prolonged exposure of the hands or feet to moist conditions, such as frequent hand washing, bathing, or working in water, increases the risk of bacterial proliferation. 6. Fungal infection: In some cases, paronychia may be caused by fungi, such as Candida. This is more common in damp public places like public showers and locker rooms. 7. Skin diseases: Individuals with eczema or other skin conditions have compromised skin barriers, making them more susceptible to developing paronychia.