Panarritis: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention of Nail Infections

Panarritis, also called paronychia, is an infection that affects the tissues around the fingernails or toenails. It happens when bacteria get into the skin around the nails, usually due to injury or exposure to moisture. Sometimes, fungal infections can also cause it.

When you have panarritis, you might notice redness, swelling, and pain around the affected nail. Pus may form, and in severe cases, the nail can separate from the nail bed. You might also have a fever or swollen lymph nodes if the infection spreads.

To treat panarritis, it's important to act quickly. You can soak the affected area in warm water or apply warm compresses to help reduce inflammation and drain the pus. Depending on the type of infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections or antifungal medications for fungal infections. In some cases, a small incision may be made to drain the pus.