Can paronychia heal on its own?

Whether paronychia can heal on its own mainly depends on its severity and the patient's overall health condition. Mild cases of paronychia, such as those caused by minor injuries during nail trimming or handling hangnails, may resolve spontaneously with timely local care and disinfection, especially in young and healthy individuals. However, severe cases with significant infection—characterized by symptoms such as pus formation, severe pain, nail discoloration, or deformity—typically cannot heal on their own and require prompt medical attention, including treatments such as incision and drainage or nail removal. Therefore, patients with paronychia should assess their condition and seek medical care when necessary to avoid delaying treatment.