Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Paronychia
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Paronychia: Inflammation of the folds of tissue surrounding the nail due to infection or inflammation. The infection may be bacterial (most commonly, staph or strep) or fungal pathogens.
The term "paronychia" is compounded from "para-", next to + the Greek "onyx", nail = next to the nail. Paronychia is synonymous with perionychia.