Recent exam nerves mean one of your part-time counter staff has been biting her nails and picking the adjacent skin. Five days ago the side of her finger became painful and there is now pus discharging. QUESTIONS 1. A Paronychia is an infection that develops at the edge of a finger or toe nail. True or false? 2. They are only caused by a bacterial infection. True or false? 3. They are more common in people who bite their finger nails. True or false? 4. In more severe cases an abscess may develop affecting the whole finger or toe. True or false? 5. Compression dressings are very helpful in bacterial infections when an abscess is present. True or false? DISCUSSION 1. True. Paronychia is the most common type of hand infection. 2. False. The infection may be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. 3. True. Biting and picking around nails can increase the risk, as do jobs that involve the hands being repeatedly wet, such as washing up. 4. True. Rarely the whole digit may become infected, leading to a temperature and shivering. 5. False. Compression isn't advised. Instead, incision and drainage of the pus is required, followed by a course of oral antibiotics.