MyMediktor - Periungual paronychia

Very low urgency

Common-

Infection of the skin that surrounds the nails.

Generally caused by wounds due to biting the skin around the nail, it is also produced by cutting the nails too short.

Its manifestations are swelling, reddening, throbbing pain, and sometimes pus discharge in the area.

The diagnosis is clinical and treatment is based on local care with warm compresses and topical antiseptics.

If there is a pus build-up, it may be necessary to drain it under local anaesthesia or add oral antibiotics.

Bibliographic references

Beth G Goldstein, Adam O Goldstein. Paronychia and ingrown toenails. UpToDate, Jan 21, 2016.
Rigopoulos D, Larios G, Gregoriou S, Alevizos A. Acute and chronic paronychia. Am Fam Physician 2008; 77:339.
Rockwell PG. Acute and chronic paronychia. Am Fam Physician 2001; 63:1113.
Clark DC. Common acute hand infections. Am Fam Physician 2003; 68:2167.
Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee H. Management of the ingrown toenail. Am Fam Physician 2009; 79:303.

Author

Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol

Copyright

Symptoms

Pain around the nail

Inflammation around the nail

Wound/cut to the skin surrounding the nail

Finger pain

Toe pain

Symptom persistence for more than two weeks after the initial treatment

Fever (temperature higher than 38 ºC)

Secretion of whitish liquid (pus)

Soak the nail in lukewarm water 2 to 3 times a day.

Clip nails and/or toenails after bathing.

Avoid biting your nails.