[Paronychia]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• Paronychia involves inflammation of the nail folds, affecting both acute and chronic forms.
• Acute paronychia typically stems from bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus) or viral (herpetic whitlow) infections.
• Chronic paronychia is linked to various conditions, notably the loss of the cuticle, often due to contact dermatitis on fingers, with secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

Purpose:

• To detail the causes, associations, and management considerations for paronychia.
• To differentiate between acute and chronic paronychia etiologies.
• To highlight paronychia as a side effect of medical treatments and a complication of ingrown nails.

Summary:

• Acute paronychia is primarily bacterial or viral. Chronic paronychia often results from cuticle loss and contact dermatitis, with secondary infections.
• Fungal infections like onychomycosis can co-occur with paronychia.
• Paronychia is a common side effect of chemotherapy and targeted therapies, and a complication of ingrown nails.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of paronychia, aiding in diagnosis and treatment strategies.
• Emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying cause rather than relying on routine antibiotic use.
• Informs clinicians about paronychia as an adverse effect of systemic therapies and ingrown nails.