Definition of Paronychia:

Paronychia is a skin infection that occurs around the nails.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Paronychia is fairly common. It is usually caused by injury to the area -- for example, from biting off or picking a hangnail or from trimming or pushing back the cuticle.

• Bacterial paronychia is caused by bacteria.
• Candidal paronychia is caused by a specific type of yeast.
• Fungal paronychia is caused by a fungus other than Candida.

A bacterial and fungal infection may occur at the same time.

Fungal paronychia may be seen in persons with a fungal nail infection. It is also common among persons with diabetes and those who have their hands in water for long periods of time.