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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Who's At Risk
Acute paronychia may occur at any age but is particularly common in children. Viral paronychia occurs more often in adults and may be seen with genital herpes infection or in people who work in the health care industry.

Chronic paronychia is most common in adult women and those who work in places where their hands are kept moist, such as food handlers.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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