Paronychia
Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin around the nail, which can occur suddenly, when it is usually due to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, or gradually when it is commonly caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The term is from Greek: παρωνυχία from para 'around', onyx 'nail', and the abstract noun suffix -ia.
| Paronychia | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Infection – skin around the nail |
| Specialty | Dermatology, emergency medicine |
| Types | Acute and chronic |
Risk factors include repeatedly washing hands and trauma to the cuticle such as may occur from repeated nail biting or hangnails.
Treatment includes antibiotics and antifungals, and if pus is present, the consideration of incision and drainage.
Paronychia is commonly misapplied as a synonym for herpetic whitlow or felon.
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