Paronychia

exp date isn't null, but text field is

Paronychia is a painful infection that usually occurs at the nail fold. It may occur after injury or minor trauma.

Causes and Types

• Acute: Painful and purulent condition; most frequently caused by Staphylococcus aureus
• Chronic: Usually caused by fungal infection

Signs and symptoms

• Painful nail
• Redness and swelling at the affected area

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is clinical
• Swabs or scrapings of the nail fold for microscopy, culture and sensitivity if diagnosis is uncertain
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) 5% smears - for diagnosis of paronychia caused by candida infection

Treatment objectives

• Relieve pain
• Prevent complications

Pharmacological treatment

Acute Paronychia Amoxicillin 500mg with clavulanic acid 125mg oral 500mg/125mg every 8 hours for 14 days. OR Penicillin V oral 500mg every hours for 7-14 days   Chronic Paronychia (commonly due to fungal infection) Clotrimazole cream 1% Apply topically every 12 hours for 14 days PLUS Ketoconazole oral 200mg once daily for 14 days Note: For both acute and chronic paronychia, incision and drainage may be needed

Referral

• If infection persists refer to a specialist