Paronychia is characterized by erythematous painful swelling of the nail folds and loss of cuticles. It may involve any finger but most commonly involved are the index and middle finger of the right hand and middle finger of the left hand. Individuals whose hands are regularly immersed in water are prone to such infections. There is high incidence among housewives and domestic workers. Paronychia may be classified as acute and chronic. Acute paronychia is most commonly caused by minor traumas like torn hangnails, splinter pricks from thorns etc. It is most commonly caused by staphylococci infection. Once a primary infection is established in the nail fold, the loss of cuticle occurs and a potential space is created between the proximal nail folds and nail plate. This space becomes the seat for various infections. The nail is often predisposed to chronic paronychia. Chronic paronychia begins as a slight swelling at the base of one or more nails which is tender but much less as compared to acute paronychia. The cuticles are soon lost and pus may exude on pressure from below the nail fold. From time to time the persistent low grade inflammation may subject to subacute painful exacerbation. It disturbs the growth of the nail plate resulting in irregular transverse grooves along with plate surface irregularities and discoloration. In long standing cases the size of the nail may be reduced and effect which is exaggerated by bolstering of the folds all around the nail. Chronic paronychia may also be associated with pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, and anemia and skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis involving the nail folds.