Abstract

PARONYCHIA: A NAIL INFECTION

Neethu Narayanan P. P.*, Vishnu A. S., Nazeera Farzana N. M., Aparna Ivon and Alan Raj

Abstract

Paronychia is the localized superficial infections or abscess of the perionychium. It is characterized by swollen, erythematous and tender nail folds. They are mainly of two types i.e., acute and chronic. The acute paronychia is mainly seen in people who bite their nails. The Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) is the major disease-causing organism. Pseudomonas and anaerobes are also responsible for causing acute paronychia. The chronic paronychia is persistent type of infection mainly seen in people who are clinically exposed to water, alkali etc. Candida albicans(C. albicans) is mainly responsible for causing chronic paronychia. Other pathogens including atypical mycobacteria, gram-negative rods and gram-negative cocci, also cause chronic paronychia. The current treatment available includes topical therapy, oral therapy, surgical avulsion, Laser treatment etc.this review article include structure of perionychium, classification of paronychia, preventive measures and current treatment available for paronychia.

Keywords: Paronychia, Treatment, nail, perionychium, disease, pathogens.