Dana Saparova / Stocksy
Breaking a nail is undoubtedly annoyingand often quite painful.
While that might seem like the worst thing to happen to your mani, paronychia may have it beat.
Now youre probably asking, paron-who?
Dana Saparova / Stocksy
The condition affects more than 200,000 people a year in the United States alone.
What Is Paronychia?
It is usually tender and sometimes warm to the touch.
Meet the Experts
What Are the Symptons of Paronychia?
Symptoms of paronychia will typically develop over hours to several days, sometimes even longer.
It will manifest as pain, swelling, and tenderness around the nail.
The skin may also be warm to touch due to inflammation.
Most paronychia can be treated at home without visiting your doctor, Dr. DeRosa says.
Warm Soaks
Fill a bowl or basin with warm tap water.
(Use a bowl for fingers and a bigger basin for toes.)
The water should be warm, but not so hot to cause pain or discomfort.
If you have broken skin then add salt or a saline solution, Dr. DeRosa says.
Use a few tablespoons of table salt,Epsom salt, or saline solution.
Soak the affected toe or finger for about 20 minutes at a time three to four times per day.
Stay Dry
Moisture is not your friend when it comes to paronychia.
All tools should be sterile.
Minimize chances of fissures and cracks in the skin around the nails by keeping hands well hydrated and moisturized.
And avoid biting your nails and cuticles.
The first sign that the condition is improving is less pain, as well as fading redness.
If you notice that swelling and redness are increasing quickly, get professional help immediatelyand do not wait.
If you have a mild case of paronychia, you may be able to treat it at home.
If you have broken skin, Dr. DeRosa recommends soaking the paronychia in salt water to help fight infection.
No, paronychia should not be drained at home.
Always go to a manicurist that keeps their tools disinfected."
Macneal P, Milroy C. Paronychia drainage.
StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
