Paronychiaa

Paronychia is a common skin infection that affects the nail folds. It is an inflammation of the skin around the fingernail or toenail. The infection can be either acute, developing suddenly over a few hours or days, or chronic, lasting for six weeks or longer.

Acute paronychia is most often caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, entering the skin through a break in the cuticle or nail fold. This break can occur from minor trauma like nail biting, manicures, pedicures, or even from exposure to moisture. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes the formation of a pus-filled blister or abscess.

Chronic paronychia is usually caused by a fungal infection, often Candida albicans, or by repeated exposure to irritants like water or chemicals. It tends to develop more gradually. Symptoms include persistent swelling, redness, tenderness, and sometimes a greenish discoloration of the nail. The nail may also become thickened or distorted over time.

Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination. In some cases, a sample of pus or nail scraping may be taken for laboratory analysis to identify the specific organism causing the infection.

Treatment for acute paronychia often involves warm compresses to help drain any pus and may require antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present. In cases of abscess formation, a small incision may be made to drain the pus. Chronic paronychia treatment focuses on avoiding irritants and may involve antifungal medications. Proper hygiene and avoiding trauma to the nail folds are important for prevention.