Paronychia Symptoms: What to Look for in Infected Fingers and Toes

If you’ve ever experienced pain, swelling, or redness around your nails, you might be dealing with a condition called paronychia. This common infection affects the skin around the nails, often on the fingers or toes. While paronychia symptoms can be uncomfortable, understanding what to look for can help you identify it early and prevent complications. In this article, we will cover the signs and symptoms of paronychia, including the symptoms specific to the big toe and fingers, and offer tips on how to treat this condition effectively.

What Is Paronychia?

Paronychia is an infection of the skin surrounding the nail. It can occur on both fingers and toes, and it’s usually caused by bacteria or fungi. The infection can develop quickly, leading to redness, swelling, and pus-filled blisters around the nail. Paronychia can be acute, which means it develops rapidly and may be more painful, or chronic, which lasts for a longer period and may cause more subtle symptoms.

Understanding the symptoms of paronychia is essential in treating it early, especially if it appears on the big toe or finger. Here’s what to look for:

Common Paronychia Symptoms

1. Redness and Swelling
   The most obvious sign of paronychia is the redness and swelling around the nail. This is often the first symptom you’ll notice, and it’s typically seen on the fingers or toes. The affected area may feel warm to the touch and can become quite tender.
2. Pain or Tenderness
   As the infection progresses, you may experience significant pain or tenderness around the nail. In severe cases, the big toe or finger can become very painful, making it difficult to touch or move.
3. Pus Formation
   In more advanced cases of paronychia, you may notice the formation of pus around the nail. This can appear as a yellow or white fluid and may result in the formation of blisters. If you have paronychia on the big toe or finger, the pus-filled area can be quite noticeable.
4. Nail Discoloration
   Another common symptom is nail discoloration. The affected nail may turn a yellow or greenish color, especially if the infection is bacterial in nature. In some cases, the nail can become loose or even fall off, but this is rare.
5. Blisters or Abscesses
   If left untreated, paronychia can lead to the formation of blisters or abscesses around the nail. These pus-filled pockets of infection can become very painful and may require medical drainage.

Specific Paronychia Symptoms on the Big Toe and Fingers

While paronychia can affect any nail, it is especially common on the big toe and fingers due to their frequent exposure to irritants, injury, and moisture.

Paronychia Symptoms Big Toe

When paronychia affects the big toe, the symptoms may be more pronounced due to the pressure and friction that the toe experiences during walking and standing. The big toe is particularly vulnerable because of its position and its involvement in weight-bearing activities.

Some common symptoms of paronychia on the big toe include:

• Swelling and redness on the skin surrounding the toenail. 
• Pain and discomfort, especially when wearing shoes or walking. 
• The formation of pus or abscesses near the nail. 

If you suspect paronychia symptoms on the big toe, it’s essential to seek treatment quickly to avoid complications such as permanent nail damage or spreading infection.

Paronychia Symptoms Finger

The finger is another common site for paronychia. Because the hands are often in contact with water, chemicals, and frequent physical activity, the risk of infection is higher. For paronychia symptoms on the finger, you may notice:

• Swelling and tenderness around the nail. 
• A painful red bump at the base of the nail. 
• Pus or fluid accumulation, which may cause the nail to become deformed. 

Paronychia symptoms on the finger can cause significant discomfort, especially if the infection is left untreated, leading to further complications.

Causes of Paronychia

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing paronychia:

1. Trauma or Injury to the Nail: Any injury to the nail, such as biting or picking at the cuticles, can introduce bacteria or fungi, leading to infection. 
2. Moisture: Constant exposure to water, such as frequent hand washing or wet environments, can weaken the skin around the nails and make it more prone to infection. 
3. Nail Polish: Prolonged use of nail polish or other nail treatments can contribute to paronychia, especially if the nail is damaged or there’s an allergic reaction. 
4. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or immunosuppression can make it easier for infections like paronychia to develop. 
5. Fungal or Bacterial Infections: The most common causes of paronychia are bacterial infections, usually involving Staphylococcus aureus. Fungal infections can also cause chronic paronychia, especially in those with long-term exposure to water. 

How to Treat Paronychia

Treating paronychia symptoms requires a combination of self-care and, in some cases, professional medical intervention. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Soak the Affected Area
   Soaking the affected finger or toe in warm, soapy water can help reduce swelling and promote drainage. Do this several times a day for 15-20 minutes.
2. Apply Antibiotic Ointment
   If the infection is bacterial, applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Neosporin can help prevent the infection from spreading.
3. Drainage of Pus
   If pus has formed, it’s essential to drain it to relieve pressure and prevent further infection. This should be done by a healthcare professional, as improper drainage can lead to more severe complications.
4. Keep the Area Clean and Dry
   After draining the infection, it’s essential to keep the area clean and dry to promote healing and avoid re-infection.
5. Seek Medical Attention
   If the infection doesn’t improve after a few days of home treatment, or if the infection is severe, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. They may prescribe oral antibiotics or even perform a minor surgical procedure to drain the abscess.

Preventing Paronychia

Preventing paronychia involves proper nail care and hygiene. Here are a few tips to avoid developing paronychia:

• Avoid biting your nails or picking at the cuticles. 
• Keep your nails clean and trimmed. 
• Wear gloves when doing tasks that involve frequent exposure to water or chemicals. 
• Moisturize the skin around your nails to prevent dryness and cracking. 
• Treat any small cuts or injuries around the nails promptly to prevent infection. 

Paronychia symptoms can be painful and annoying, but early treatment can prevent further complications. Whether it’s on your big toe or fingers, identifying the symptoms early and seeking proper treatment is key to managing the infection effectively. If you’re dealing with paronychia symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult with a podiatrist at MyfootDr. Our team is dedicated to helping you maintain healthy feet and hands by providing the best possible care.

 

Studies:
Paronychia

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544307/

 

Toenail paronychia

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1268773115001393