Painful fungal (usually Candida Albicans) or bacterial (usually Streptococcus Pyogenes) infection of finger where nail and skin meet.Encyclopedia Entry for Paronychia :Paronychia - Candida albicans (yeast), Herpes Simplex virus (herpes virus)Encyclopedia Entry for Paronychia :Paronychia. Paronychia is common. It is from injury to the area, such as biting off or picking a hangnail or from trimming or pushing back the cuticle. The infection is caused by: Bacteria Candida (yeast), a type of fungus Other types of fungi A bacterial and fungal infection can occur at the same time. Fungal paronychia may occur in people who: Have a fungal nail infection Have diabetes Expose their hands to water a lot.Main symptom is a painful, red, swollen area around the nail, often at the cuticle or at the site of a hangnail or other injury. There may be pus-filled blisters , especially with a bacterial infection. Bacteria cause the condition to come on suddenly. If all or part of the infection is due to a fungus, it tends to occur more slowly. Nail changes may occur. For example, the nail may look detached, abnormally shaped, or have an unusual color. If the infection spreads to the rest of the body, symptoms may include: Fever, chills Development of red streaks along the skin General ill feeling Joint pain Muscle pain.The health care provider can usually diagnose this condition by simply looking at the sore skin. Pus or fluid may be drained and sent to a laboratory to determine what type of bacteria or fungus is causing the infection.If you have bacterial paronychia, soaking your nail in warm water 2 or 3 times a day helps reduce swelling and pain. Your provider may prescribe oral antibiotics. In severe cases, your provider may cut and drain the sore with a sharp instrument. Part of the nail may need to be removed. If you have chronic fungal paronychia, your provider may prescribe antifungal medicine.Paronychia often responds well to treatment. But, fungal infections may last for several months.Complications are rare, but may include: Abscess Permanent changes in the shape of the nail Spread of infection to tendons, bones, or bloodstream.Call your provider if: Paronychia symptoms continue despite treatment Symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.To prevent paronychia: Care for the nails and the skin around the nails properly. Avoid damaging the nails or fingertips. Because the nails grow slowly, an injury can last for months. DO NOT bite or pick the nails. Protect the nails from exposure to detergents and chemicals by using rubber or plastic gloves. Gloves with cotton liners are best. Bring your own manicure tools to nail salons. Do not allow the manicurist to work on your cuticles. To minimize the risk of damage to the nails: Keep fingernails smooth and trim them weekly. Trim toenails about once a month. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers for trimming fingernails and toenails, and an emery board for smoothing the edges. Trim nails after bathing, when they are softer. Trim fingernails with a slightly rounded edge. Trim toenails straight across and do not cut them too short. DO NOT trim cuticles or use cuticle removers. Cuticle removers can damage the skin around the nail. Trimming the cuticle damages the skin at the base of the nail. This can allow germs to enter, which can lead to infection.Infection - skin around the nail.Paronychia, candidial Paronychia, candidial Nail infection, candidal Nail infection, candidal.Habif TP. Nail diseases.