Paronychia

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Paronychia can be minimized by avoiding prolonged soaking in water and by drying the hands well after hand washing. Manicures should be gentle, to avoid trauma to the cuticles.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

Paronychia can cause permanent nail damage. If paronychia is not treated effectively, the tissue and bone of the finger can become infected.

What are the risks to others?

The organisms that cause paronychia are not usually passed to other people. However, the use of manicure tools that have not been sterilized can transmit the infection.