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Overview
Nail biting and hangnails cause it.
Pus may need drainage.
When to get medical care
Call 911Not an emergency.
Get care todayPus, spreading redness, or fever.
See a doctor soonKeeps coming back.
Causes
Caused by bacteria or yeast.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause red, swollen, painful skin around a nail. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Infected nail fold (paronychia)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
An infection of the skin around a fingernail or toenail, often after a hangnail, nail biting, or a manicure.
What you can do at home
- Soak in warm water.
Medicines
Drainage or antibiotics.
At the doctor
Diagnosed by exam.
Questions you may be asked
- Duration
The exam
A nail exam.
Tests
- None
Prevention
Protect nails.
- Don't bite nails
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.