| Paronychia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Infection of skin around the nail[1] |
 | |
| Specialty | Dermatology, emergency medicine |
| Types | Acute and chronic |
Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin around the nail, often due to bacteria or fungi.
Its sudden (acute) occurrence is usually due to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Gradual (chronic) occurrences are typically caused by fungi, commonly Candida albicans.[2][3][4]
Risk factors for paronychia include frequent hand washing and trauma to the cuticle, such as from chronic nail biting or hangnails.[2]
Treatment typically involves antibiotics for bacterial infections and antifungals for fungal infections. If there is pus formation, incision and drainage may be necessary.[2]
Paronychia is commonly mistakenly used interchangeably with herpetic whitlow or felon, which are distinct conditions.[2]
- ^ "Paronychia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
- ^ a b c d James G. Marks; Jeffrey J. Miller (2013). "21. Nail disorders". Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology E-Book (Fifth ed.). Elsevier Saunders. p. 256. ISBN 978-1-4557-2875-6.
- ^ Rigopoulos D, Larios G, Gregoriou S, Alevizos A (February 2008). "Acute and chronic paronychia". Am Fam Physician. 77 (3): 339–46. PMID 18297959.
- ^ Rockwell PG (March 2001). "Acute and chronic paronychia". Am Fam Physician. 63 (6): 1113–6. PMID 11277548.