Paronychia: treatment, symptoms
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Acute paronychia
Paronychia - usually an acute infection, but there are also chronic cases. In acute paronychia pathogens are usually Staphylococcus aureus or streptococci, less often Pseudomonas or Proteus spp. Microorganisms penetrate through lesions in the epidermis. Paronychia often develops in patients who bite their nails or suck fingers. On the legs, the infection often develops due to ingrown nails.
Symptoms of acute paronychia
Paronychia develops along the edges of the nail, pain, redness, swelling occur. On the edge of the nail or under the nail plate pus accumulates. Rarely does the infection penetrate deep into the finger, causing an infectious tendovaginitis. Patients with diabetes or patients with vascular disease with paronychia on the toes should be examined for the presence of more serious infections.
In acute paronychia, the affected area swells and redness appears, but there is practically no accumulation of pus. Ultimately, there is a loss of cuticle and separation of the nail from the nail bed, which contributes to the penetration of microorganisms.
Diagnosis and treatment of acute paronychia
The diagnosis is made when examining lesions. In the early stages of treatment, warm compresses and anti-staphylococcal antibiotics are used (for example, dicloxacillin or cephalexin 250 mg orally 4 times a day or clindamycin 300 mg orally 4 times a day). Visible pus can be removed with the help of drainage or with a scalpel 11 inserted between the nail and the nail fold, a skin incision is not required. For 24-48 hours, a gauze swab should be applied.
[10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16]
Chronic paronychia
Chronic paronychia - relapsing or persistent inflammation of the nail roller, usually occurs on the fingers.
[17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22]
What causes a chronic paronychia?
Chronic paronychia develops in patients whose hands often come into contact with water (for example, dishwashers, barmen, housewives). Fungi of the genus Candida (candidiasis paronychia) are often present, but their role in the etiology of the disease is not clear; the elimination of the fungus does not always solve the problem. Paronychia can develop as a result of contact dermatitis, complicated by a secondary infection.
Diagnosis and treatment of chronic paronychia
The diagnosis of chronic paronychia is put clinically. Patients should contact as little as possible with water or use gloves and protective creams, if necessary. Possible effective use of local glucocorticoids, as well as antifungal agents. Application of 3% thymol alcohol solution several times a day protects against moisture and penetration of microorganisms at the cuticle damage site.