#28 Nail Series: Part 2: Paronychia | Dr. Shabari Arumugam
What is Paronychia ? What are the symptoms of chronic Paronychia? What are the self care measures? Welcome to the Part II of Nail series : Paronychia Paronychia is a common infection of the skin around the finger or toenails (the nail folds). There are two types - ‘acute paronychia’ develops quickly and lasts for a short period of time; and ‘chronic paronychia’ develops slowly, lasting for several weeks and often comes back. Chronic paronychia is not caught from someone else. Acute Paronychiais often caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, although any number of germs such as candida (yeast) or the cold sore virus (herpes simplex) can be involved. Acute Paronychia usually starts after a minor injury to the nail fold, such as from nail biting, picking or manicures. The affected area is red, warm, tender and swollen. After a while pus may be seen, which can form around the nail and may lift the nail. Chronic paronychia is caused by a mixture of yeasts (can...