What causes paronychia?
Paronychia occurs when germs such as bacteria or fungi enter through broken skin in your nail fold. The germs may then cause an infection and inflammation. The following may increase your risk of having paronychia: • Allergies: Skin allergies to nail polish or latex may increase your chances of having paronychia. Having allergies to certain foods may cause inflammation in your skin leading to infections. This may happen to people who handle food often. • Certain medicines: Certain medicines used to treat HIV and cancer may increase your risk. Ask your caregiver for more information about these conditions and medicines. • Chemicals: Using certain soaps, detergents, and other chemicals often may cause your skin to become inflamed. This may lead to chronic paronychia. • Diseases: Some autoimmune diseases may cause your immune system to attack its own cells and cause inflammation. Autoimmune skin diseases include psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris, or lupus erythematosus. Skin cancer and diabet
