Perionychial infections associated with sculptured nails

Two cases of perionychial infections associated with the use of sculptured fingernails are presented. Both patients developed paroncyhia necessitating incision and drainage. One patient, a diabetic, had a concomitant subungual abscess and felon which required repeat drainage and debridement as well as intravenous antibiotics over an extended period for complete resolution. Sculptured fingernails may be risk factors for the development of digit infections through various mechanisms, and users of these cosmetic devices, especially diabetics and immunocompromised people, should be made aware of their potential for infectious complications.