| 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, which can manifest suddenly, often due to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, or gradually, typically caused by the fungus Candida albicans.[2][3][4] The term originates from Greek παρά (para) 'around' and ὄνυξ (onyx) 'nail'.[5][6]
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.
- ^ Harper, Douglas. "paronychia". Online Etymology Dictionary.
- ^ παρωνυχία, παρά, ὄνυξ. Liddell, Henry George; Scott, Robert; A Greek–English Lexicon at the Perseus Project.