Nail-fold swelling and large pus-filled lesions are typical of a bacterial paronychia. Typical to paronychia, the nail fold is swollen, red, and tender. This image displays a rough, distorted nail due to chronic inflammation in the skin around the nail, known as paronychia. This image displays pus, which typically accompanies acute paronychia. This image displays redness and swelling around the cuticle of the nail typical of early paronychia. This image displays cracks and swelling around the nail typical of chronic paronychia.
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Nail Infection, Bacterial (Paronychia)  Information for adults

Picture of Nail Infection, Bacterial (Paronychia): Nail-fold swelling and large pus-filled lesions are typical of a bacterial paronychia. Divider line
Nail-fold swelling and large pus-filled lesions are typical of a bacterial paronychia.
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Signs and Symptoms
Bacterial nail infection most often affects the proximal nail fold of the fingers and less commonly affects the toes.
  • Acute: The proximal nail fold is red, swollen, painful, and may contain pus. Usually one nail is affected.
  • Chronic: The proximal nail fold is swollen, red, and has no cuticle (the strip of hardened skin at the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail). One or more nails may be affected.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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