What is the difference between acute and chronic paronychia?
It usually affects the skin at the base (cuticle) or up the sides of the nail. There are two types of paronychia: Acute paronychia – comes on suddenly and may not last long; it usually occurs on fingers. Chronic paronychia – lasts longer and may occur on your fingers or toes.
What is chronic paronychia?
Chronic paronychia is an inflammatory disorder of the nail folds of a toe or finger presenting as redness, tenderness, and swelling. It is recalcitrant dermatoses seen commonly in housewives and housemaids. It is a multifactorial inflammatory reaction of the proximal nail fold to irritants and allergens.
How do I know if I have chronic paronychia?
Diagnosis of chronic paronychia is clinical. Signs of chronic paronychia in this patient include absent cuticle, swollen proximal nail fold, and Beau lines of the nail plate.
Is paronychia a chronic condition?
Paronychia is one of the most common infections of the hand. Clinically, paronychia presents as an acute or a chronic condition. It is a localized, superficial infection or abscess of the paronychial tissues of the hands or, less commonly, the feet.
What causes chronic paronychia?
Chronic paronychia
It’s typically caused by more than one infecting agent, often Candida yeast and bacteria. It’s more common in people who’re constantly working in water. Chronically wet skin and excessive soaking disrupts the natural barrier of the cuticle.
How do you treat chronic paronychia?
How can chronic paronychia be treated? Usually an antibacterial and/or antifungal cream or lotion improves the condition within a few weeks. In addition, a steroid cream may be prescribed to speed up improvement. If creams or lotions are not successful antibiotic or antifungal tablets by mouth may be needed.
How is chronic paronychia treated?
Chronic paronychia: Usually an antibacterial and/or antifungal cream or lotion improves the condition within a few weeks. Sometimes a steroid cream in addition speeds up improvement. If the above is not successful then antibiotic or antifungal tablets might be needed.
What is the best antibiotic for chronic paronychia?
Commonly Used Medications for Acute and Chronic Paronychia
| Drug | Typical dosage |
|---|---|
| Bacitracin/neomycin/polymyxin B ointment (Neosporin) | Three times daily for five to 10 days |
| Gentamicin ointment | Three or four times daily for five to 10 days |
| Mupirocin ointment (Bactroban) | Two to four times daily for five to 10 days |
Is chronic paronychia treatable?
Chronic paronychia is treated by topical anti-inflammatory agents and avoidance of irritants. Antifungals should not be used.
How long does it take for chronic paronychia to heal?
Symptoms go away with treatment and last less than six weeks. Chronic paronychia: Symptoms develop more slowly than acute paronychia, and they usually last six weeks or longer. Several fingers or toes can be infected at once.
What is the best treatment for chronic paronychia?
Treatment of chronic paronychia includes avoiding exposure to contact irritants and appropriate management of underlying inflammation or infection. A broad-spectrum topical antifungal agent can be used to treat the condition and prevent recurrence.