Overview
Paronychia is an inflammation of the nail folds.
Causes
Nail fold damage usually results from injury to the proximal nail fold. Causes of injury include habit biting and constant wet work. People whose hands are exposed to water most of the time, e.g. housewives, canteen operators, cooks are more prone to develop paronychia.
Secondary infection by bacteria of fungus will cause painful swelling of the nail fold. If the infection had been there for a long time, the nail plate becomes deformed.
Detection & Treatment
Treatment of paronychia include draining pus in the infected nail fold and oral antibiotics. Topical antifungal and antiseptic lotions may be used to treat paronychia. Patients with paronychia must avoid prolonged wet-work and injury to the hands. Wearing of impervious gloves during wet work helps to prevent paronychia.
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