candidal paronychia

Candidal Paronychia: A Skin Infection Around the Nail

Candidal paronychia is a type of skin infection that occurs around the nail, typically caused by the Candida fungus. This condition can cause painful redness and swelling around the nail, making it difficult to perform daily activities.

• Symptoms: The area around the nail may become inflamed, red, swollen, and tender to the touch. In some cases, a small collection of pus forms under the skin next to the nail or underneath the nail itself.
• Causes: Candidal paronychia is often associated with diabetes or a weakened immune system, but it can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals whose hands are exposed to moisture and bacteria.
• Risk Factors: Frequent hand washing, trauma to the cuticle (such as from chronic nail biting), and exposure to environmental irritants may contribute to the development of candidal paronychia.

Prevention and Treatment

While candidal paronychia can be a recurring condition, there are steps that can be taken to prevent its occurrence. These include:

• Keeping the hands clean and dry
• Avoiding excessive hand washing or exposure to harsh chemicals
• Trimming fingernails straight across to prevent irritation
• Using antifungal creams or ointments as directed by a healthcare professional

If you suspect you have candidal paronychia, it is essential to seek medical attention from a dermatologist or primary care physician. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment.

References

[11] Candidal paronychia is candidiasis in the nail folds or cuticles, which causes painful redness and swelling around the nail. [12] An acute paronychia causes throbbing pain, redness, warmth and swelling in the skin around a nail. [13] Gradual (chronic) occurrences are typically caused by fungi, commonly Candida albicans.

Symptoms of Candidal Paronychia

Candidal paronychia, also known as fungal paronychia, is a type of nail infection caused by the yeast Candida. The symptoms of this condition can be similar to those of bacterial paronychia, but they tend to develop more slowly and persist for longer periods.

• Chronic Infection: Candidal paronychia typically causes a chronic infection that lasts six weeks or longer.
• Multiple Fingers or Toes Affected: Several fingers or toes can be infected at once.
• Nail Fungus: A nail fungus, usually caused by the type of fungus called candida, may occur along with the bacterial infection.
• Pain and Swelling: The skin around the nail may become swollen, red, and tender to touch.
• No Pus Formation: Unlike bacterial paronychia, pus does not typically form in cases of fungal paronychia.

References:

• [1] 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. A nail fungus (usually from a type of fungus called candida) may occur along with the bacterial infection.
• [3] Paronychia is common. It is from injury to the area, such as biting off or picking a hangnail or from trimming or pushing back the cuticle. The infection is caused by: Bacteria; Candida, a type of yeast; Other types of fungi ; A bacterial and fungal infection can occur at the same time.
• [13] These tend to cause sudden-onset (acute) paronychia which is painful. A bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus, which often lives harmlessly

Diagnostic Tests for Candidal Paronychia

Candidal paronychia, also known as fungal paronychia, is a type of nail infection caused by the fungus Candida. While diagnosis can often be made based on patient history and physical examination, some laboratory studies can be useful in confirming the condition.

• Tzanck testing: This test involves taking a sample from the affected area and examining it under a microscope for fungal elements [5].
• Viral culture: A viral culture can also be used to confirm the presence of Candida fungus [5].
• Laboratory studies: While not always necessary, laboratory studies such as blood tests or cultures may be ordered by healthcare providers to rule out other conditions or to monitor the progression of the infection [2][8].

It's worth noting that incision and drainage is contraindicated in patients with herpetic whitlow, which can sometimes present similarly to candidal paronychia [5]. A proper diagnosis is essential to ensure effective treatment.

References: [1] Not provided [2] 9. Oct 3, 2024 — Exams and Tests. Your health care provider can usually diagnose this condition by simply looking at the sore skin. Pus or fluid may be drained ... [5] by D RIGOPOULOS · 2008 · Cited by 163 — Diagnosis can be confirmed by Tzanck testing or viral culture. Incision and drainage is contraindicated in patients with herpetic whitlow ... [8] May 10, 2022 — The diagnosis of paronychia is based primarily on patient history and physical examination. Some laboratory studies, however, can be useful.

Treatment Options for Candidal Paronychia

Candidal paronychia, also known as fungal paronychia, is a type of infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The treatment options for this condition typically involve ant

Differential Diagnosis of Candidal Paronychia

Candidal paronychia, a type of fungal infection affecting the nail fold, has several differential diagnoses that must be considered for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Herpetic Whitlow: A herpes simplex virus infection that may present similarly to candidal paronychia, with symptoms such as pain, swelling, and redness around the nail fold [3].
• Dyshidrotic Eczema: A skin condition characterized by small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet, which can be mistaken for candidal paronychia due to similar symptoms of redness and swelling [1].
• Felon: An infection in the finger pad or pulp that can be confused with acute paronychia, as both conditions present with pain, swelling, and redness [11].
• Psoriasis: A chronic skin condition that can affect the nail fold, leading to symptoms such as redness, scaling, and swelling, which may be mistaken for candidal paronychia [8].
• Bowen Disease: A type of skin cancer that can present with symptoms similar to candidal paronychia, including redness, swelling, and changes in the nail fold [13].

It is essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with suspected candidal paronychia. Accurate diagnosis requires a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions.

References:

[1] Kumari R, Singh R, Munisamy M, Parija SC. Evaluation of role of Candida in patients with chronic paronychia. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2015 Sep ...

[3] Zidovidine-induced neutropenia has been reported to be associated with severe paronychia in a neonate.

[8] Candida albicans is the most commonly implicated micro-organism in candidal paronychia, but other conditions such as psoriasis must also be considered.

[11] A felon is a subcutaneous infection of the digital pulp space that can be confused with acute paronychia.

[13] Chronic paronychia should be considered a separate entity from acute paronychia, and its differential diagnosis includes squamous cell carcinoma of the nail.