Hand Case 15 Background

A paronychia is inflammation of the proximal and lateral nail folds.

This process can occur with or without abscess formation and can be acute (<6 weeks) or chronic (>6 weeks). The discussion in this case will be focused on the acute presentation.

The most common cause of paronychia is the introduction of normal skin flora (staph and strep species) into the periungal tissue.

Less frequently, several medication classes have also been associated with paronychia, notably EGFR inhibitors. Nail biting has also been suggested as a contributing factor.