Paronychia

Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin around the nail, which can occur suddenly, when it is usually due to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, or gradually when it is commonly caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The term is from παρωνυχία from para 'around', onyx 'nail', and the abstract noun suffix -ia. Risk factors include repeatedly washing hands and trauma to the cuticle such as may occur from repeated nail biting or hangnails. Treatment includes antibiotics and antifungals, and if pus is present, the consideration of incision and drainage. Paronychia is commonly misapplied as a synonym for herpetic whitlow or felon. Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin around the nail, which can occur suddenly (acute), when it is usually due to the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, or gradually (chronic) when it is commonly caused by Candida albicans. The term is from παρωνυχία from para, "around", onyx, "nail" and the noun suffix -ia. The index and middle fingers are most commonly affected and may present with redness, swelling and pain. Pus or discharge may be present. File:Infectionofcutical.JPG|An infection of the cuticle secondary to a splinter Image:MyParonychia.jpg|Left and right [[ring finger]]s of the same person: The [[distal phalanx]] of the finger on the right exhibits [[swelling (medical)|swelling]] due to acute paronychia. File:ChronicParonychia.jpg|Chronic paronychia Acute paronychia is usually caused by bacteria. It is often treated with antibiotics, either topical (applied to the skin) or oral (taken by mouth), or both. Chronic paronychia is most often caused by a yeast infection of the soft tissues around the nail but can also be traced to a bacterial infection. If the infection is continuous, the cause is often fungal and needs antifungal cream or paint to be treated. Risk factors include repeatedly washing hands and trauma to the cuticle such as may occur from repeated nail biting or hangnails. In the context of bartending, it is known as "bar rot".