(HealthDay News) -- Paronychia is an infection of the skin around a fingernail that can be red, inflamed and occasionally produce pus.
Most cases can be treated at home, the Nemours Foundation says.
The infection typically emerges after the skin surrounding a nail is injured and allows germs to penetrate. Biting or sucking nails, clipping nails too short or even getting a manicure can trigger the infection.
Nemours suggests how to help prevent the problem: