Paronychia
Alternate Names : Infection - skin around the nail
Symptoms & Signs
The main symptom is a painful, red, swollen area around the nail, often at the cuticle or at the site of a hangnail or other injury. There may be pus-filled blisters, especially with a bacterial infection. Bacteria causes the condition to occur suddenly. If all or part of the infection is due to a fungus, it tends to occur more slowly.
Nail changes may occur. For example, the nail may look detached, abnormally shaped, or have an unusual color.
Diagnosis & Tests
The doctor can usually diagnose this condition by simply looking at the sore skin. Pus or fluid may be drained and sent to a laboratory to determine what type of bacteria or fungus is causing the infection.
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