Perionychial

Perionychial is an adjective relating to the perionychium, the soft tissue surrounding the nail plate. The perionychium comprises the proximal nail fold (the skin at the base of the nail), the lateral nail folds, the cuticle or eponychium, and the hyponychium at the distal edge beneath the nail. The term is used in anatomy and dermatology to describe structures and conditions in this region.

In clinical practice, the periungual region is important because it is prone to inflammatory and infectious processes. Acute paronychia is an infection of the nail folds, usually following trauma or moisture exposure, and presents with redness, swelling, and tenderness around the nail. Chronic paronychia involves long-standing inflammation with thickened, irritated folds. Perionychial dermatitis refers to eczema or contact dermatitis affecting the surrounding skin. Fungal infections such as onychomycosis can involve the periungual area, leading to surrounding skin changes and nail dystrophy. Other periungual conditions include trauma-induced hyperkeratosis, granulomas, and periungual warts.

Diagnosis is typically clinical, supported by laboratory tests such as bacterial culture or fungal microscopy when infection is suspected. Treatment depends on the underlying condition: paronychia may require warm soaks, topical or oral antibiotics, and incision and drainage for abscess; dermatitis is treated with topical corticosteroids and irritant avoidance; fungal involvement requires appropriate antifungal therapy; good nail hygiene and barrier protection help prevent recurrences.

Etymology: peri- means around, onych- means nail, -al means pertaining to.