It may start in one nail fold but often spreads to several others. Each affected nail fold is swollen and lifted off the nail plate. The nail plate becomes distorted and ridged as it grows. It may become yellow or green and brittle. After recovery, it takes up to a year for the nails to grow back to normal.
Chronic paronychia is due to several different micro-organisms.
Often a mixture of yeasts and bacteria are present, particularly candida species and Gram negative bacilli. The inflammation results in debris which builds up, encouraging more infection. It mainly occurs in people who have constantly wet hands, such as dairy farmers, fishermen, bar tenders and housewives. It is more likely to occur, and more difficult to clear up, in those with poor circulation, especially during the winter months. If you have paronychia, seek your dermatologist or doctor's advice.