A paronychia is an infection of the lateral nail fold leading to an accumulation of inflammation and pus of the perionychium. This is the most common type of hand infection and is frequently caused by minor trauma such as nail biting. Patients will present with pain, erythema, and swelling adjacent to the nail. The infection may progress to the cuticle or eponychium at the base of the nail. This location can help distinguish it from a felon, which is infection within the pulp space of the finger. If there is no fluctuance, the site can be treated with warm compresses or soaks, elevation to encourage drainage, and antibiotics. For suppurative collections, incision and drainage offers definitive management.