Paronychia

Acute or chronic inflammatory process of the periungual tissues of a finger or toe, characterized by painful erythema, swelling, tenderness, and possible abscess or purulent collection adjacent to the nail plate and nail folds.

Causes

• Bacterial infection: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes

• Fungal infection: Candida albicans

• Viral infection: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

• Mechanical and irritant causes

  • Recurrent trauma

  • Nail biting (onychophagia)

  • Finger sucking

  • Cuticle trauma or manipulation

  • Manicure-related injury

  • Chronic exposure to moisture or irritants

• Systemic conditions causing impaired immune defense

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • HIV infection

  • Immunosuppression

• Medications causing nail fold inflammation or immune suppression

  • Retinoids

  • Chemotherapy agents

  • Antiretroviral medications