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Alternative names
Infection - skin around the nailDefinition Return to top
Paronychia is a superficial infection of the skin around the nails, most commonly caused by staphylococcus bacteria or fungi.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Paronychia is a fairly common superficial infection of the skin around the nail. It usually results from injury to the area from biting off or picking a hangnail, or from manipulating, trimming, or pushing back the cuticle.Paronychia may include a combined bacterial and fungal infection. Fungal paronychia may accompany fungal nail infection.
Fungal paronychia is common among people with diabetes and among people who have their hands in water for long periods of time.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
The health care provider primarily bases the diagnosis on the appearance of the skin lesion.Treatment Return to top
Treatment goals are to eliminate the infection and relieve the symptoms.
In bacterial paronychia, hot water soaks 2 or 3 times per day reduce inflammation and pain. Topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed. In severe cases, your physician may cut and drain the lesion with a sharp instrument.
Fungal paronychia may be treated with topical or oral antifungals. The hands should be kept dry, or, topical drying agents such as Castellani's paint should be applied.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Paronychia usually is superficial and responds well to treatment, although fungal infections may persist for several months. Complications are rare, but they occasionally occur.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if paronychia symptoms persist despite treatment.Prevention Return to top
To prevent paronychia, care for the nails and the skin around the nails properly. Avoid damage to the nails or the fingertips. Do not bite, or pick the nails. Because the nails grow slowly, damage can cause an injury that lasts for months. Protect the nails from exposure to detergents and chemicals by using protective rubber or plastic gloves, preferably with cotton liners.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |