Paronychia

Acute paronychia tends to involve anyone with acute or chronic damage to the nail apparatus. This includes those with mechanical jobs, as well as those with hands exposed to excessive water and chemicals.

Chronic paronychia affects women more than men, particularly those who use nail cosmetic products and those performing activities at high risk of damaging the normal dorsal nail barrier. High-risk activities include working as a house cleaner or a cook, jobs requiring excessive soap and water contact, or those causing trauma and/or manipulation to the dorsal nail, cuticle, or proximal nail fold.