Dry Winter Hands Prone to Painful Nail Infections

Paronychia, a common hand infection, can develop from cracked skin and cuticles in cold, dry weather.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:09am

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As winter weather strips moisture from the skin, the delicate area around fingernails becomes especially vulnerable to paronychia - a painful bacterial or fungal nail infection. Acute paronychia can lead to abscesses and cellulitis if left untreated, while chronic paronychia results from long-term exposure to chemicals and irritants. Proper nail hygiene, moisturizing, and avoiding contact with detergents can help prevent these common hand infections.

Why it matters

Paronychia is one of the most common hand infections, especially during the winter months when dry skin and cracked cuticles provide an entry point for bacteria and fungi. If left untreated, paronychia can lead to more serious complications that may require medical intervention. Understanding how to prevent and treat these nail infections is important for maintaining hand health through the harsh winter season.

The details

Paronychia begins as inflammation of the soft tissue around the fingernail, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Acute paronychia develops suddenly, often from a bacterial staph infection, while chronic paronychia is a type of contact dermatitis caused by long-term exposure to chemicals and irritants. Risk factors include nail biting, hangnails, frequent manicures, and jobs involving wet work or chemical exposure.

  • Acute paronychia can resolve in less than 10 days with early home treatment.
  • Chronic paronychia takes more than six weeks to develop.

The players

Staphylococcus aureus

The bacteria that commonly cause acute paronychia, also known as a staph infection.

Candida albicans

The fungus that often leads to chronic paronychia.

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What they’re saying

“Paronychia can be prevented by practicing good nail hygiene: Avoid biting, chewing, and picking your fingernails, and don't trim cuticles during a manicure.”

— Dr. Mary Jenkins, Contributor to the Herald and member of its board of directors, retired family practice physician (New Pine Plains Herald)

What’s next

If symptoms of paronychia persist or an abscess forms, it's recommended to contact a primary care provider, as oral antibiotics or a minor in-office procedure may be needed.

The takeaway

Maintaining proper hand and nail hygiene, especially during the dry winter months, is crucial to preventing painful and potentially serious paronychia infections. Moisturizing regularly and avoiding contact with irritants can help keep the delicate skin around nails healthy and infection-free.