Menu Healthy Lifestyle Diseases & Conditions First Aid Symptoms Tests & Procedures Videos Definitions FAQs ParonychiaUpdated: 2017-06-13OverviewParonychia is an infection of the tissue adjacent to a nail, most often a fingernail. It is caused by injury or irritation, such as a hangnail, cuticle damage, or continually wet hands. SymptomsAdjacent tissue is painful, red, and swollen. There may be suspected or obvious pus. TreatmentsTreatments include hot water soaks and medications, such as antibiotics or antifungals. Pus may need to be drained. © 1998-2022 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research(MFMER). All rights reserved. Terms of Use