clinical features
Last reviewed 01/2018
Classically only one nail is involved
- disease is characterized by rapid appearance of erythema, oedema, together with proximal and lateral nail fold discomfort or tenderness seen two to five days following trauma.
- initial presentation may be limited to superficial infection and collection of pus under the nail fold (when the nail fold is compressed pus drains out)
- if left untreated it may lead to subungual abscess with pain and inflammation of the nail matrix
- the nail may appear discoloured or even distorted (2)
- accumulation of pus can cause elevation of the nail plate (1)
- recurrent cases may progress into chronic paronychia (1)
Reference:
- (1) Rigopoulos D et al. Acute and Chronic Paronychia. Am Fam Physician 2008; 77(3)
- (2) Rockwell PG. Acute and chronic paronychia. Am Fam Physician. 2001;63(6):1113-6