Paronychia: Prevention and Complications

Prevention Tips

The best away to avoid acute paronychia is to take good care of your nails.
  • Avoid injuring your nails and fingertips.
  • Donot bite or pick your nails.
  • Keep your nails trimmed and smooth.
  • Avoid cutting nails too short and donot scrape or trim your cuticles, as this can injure the skin.
  • Use clean nail clippers or scissors.
You can avoid chronic paronychia by keeping your hands dry and free from chemicals. Wear gloves when working with water or harsh chemicals. Change socks at least every day, and do not wear the same shoes for two days in a row to allow them to dry out completely.

Watch Out

  • Fever and chills
  • Development of red streaks along the skin
  • Changes in the shape of the nail
  • Muscle/Joint pain

When to See Doctor

Consult a doctor if you have symptoms like:
  • Pus near your nail or under it
  • Fever
  • You have milder symptoms (tenderness, mild redness, minimal swelling) that last for seven days or more




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