Paronychia
What is it: A paronychia is an infection of the fingertip around the finger nail.
How does it present: Patients will present with erythema, pain, and swelling around the nail. They may have noted a previous hangnail or instrumentation to the tissue as with a manicure.
Common exam findings: Exam may reveal a tender, swollen region just around the nail of the finger. A collection of purulent material may be evident.
Tests and treatment: The diagnosis of paronychia is clinical. Initially, early paronychia may be treated with warm soaks and antibiotics. The most common causative organism is staphylococcus aureus. If a collection of purulence is noted, drainage should be done.