Paronychia
Alternate Names : Infection - skin around the nail
Definition
Paronychia is a skin infection that occurs around the nails.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Paronychia is fairly common. It is usually caused by injury to the area -- for example, from biting off or picking a hangnail or from trimming or pushing back the cuticle. - Bacterial paronychia is caused by bacteria.
- Candidal paronychia is caused by a specific type of yeast.
- Fungal paronychia is caused by a fungus other than Candida.
A bacterial and fungal infection may occur at the same time. Fungal paronychia may be seen in persons with a fungal nail infection. It is also common among persons with diabetes and those who have their hands in water for long periods of time.
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