Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: This was the case of a 22-year-old healthy male patient with no significant personal or family medical history who consulted for pain and redness in the left ring finger after cutting a hangnail three days ago.On physical examination, localized dermatosis was found at the proximal-lateral external fold of the left ring finger, consisting of erythema, edema, warmth, yellowish discoloration, and fissures (Fig. 1a).Dermatoscopy revealed edema, a yellowish plaque, and fissures at the same level (Fig. 1b).The rest of the physical examination was within normal limits.The diagnosis of acute paronychia was made, and drainage of the lesion was performed, resulting in the release of purulent material (Fig. 1c).After this, the area was instructed to be washed with water and soap, and fusidic acid was applied three times a day for eight days, resolving the condition.Paronychia is the inflammation of the tissue around the nails of the fingers or toes, which may be acute (lasting less than six weeks) or chronic (lasting more than six weeks).It occurs when the protective barrier between the nail plate and surrounding fold is disrupted, often due to either infectious or non-infectious causes.Acute paronychia is typically caused by infections, while irritants are the primary cause of the chronic cases.Treatment generally involves a combination of protective measures, medical, and/or surgical interventions [1,2].
Source: Our Dermatology Online
Authors: General Doctor at Ministerio de Salud Pública y Asistencia, Social, Guatemala City, Guatemala, María Gabriela Herrera Gutiérrez, Patricia Chang
Institution: Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance
Language: English
Topic: Nail Diseases and Treatments
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4415769485