periunguaaliset

Periunguaaliset refers to the area surrounding a fingernail or toenail. This anatomical region includes the skin and soft tissues that lie adjacent to the nail plate. The periungual area is crucial for nail health and growth. It comprises several distinct parts, including the proximal nail fold, the nail bed, and the lateral nail folds. The proximal nail fold is a fold of skin that covers the root of the nail, while the nail bed is the tissue beneath the nail plate that the nail slides over as it grows. The lateral nail folds are the skin folds on either side of the nail plate.

Conditions affecting the periungual area are common and can range in severity. Inflammation of this area is known as paronychia, which can be acute or chronic. Acute paronychia often results from a bacterial infection, typically caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and presents with redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus. Chronic paronychia is more common in individuals with prolonged exposure to moisture or irritants, such as dishwashers, healthcare workers, or those with diabetes, and can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections or contact dermatitis. Other periungual conditions include warts, which can appear around the nails, and onycholysis, a condition where the nail plate separates from the nail bed, often due to trauma or fungal infections. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding trauma to the fingers and toes are important for periungual health.