Paronychia

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Paronychia is a suppurative inflammation of the nail fold surrounding the nail plate; may be due to bacteria or fungi, most commonly staphylococci and streptococci. It most commonly occurs in middle-aged women and in the client with diabetes mellitus.

Person who has paronychia will have painful, redness and swelling around the nailbed, and soreness at nailbed. There may be pus-filled blisters, especially with a bacterial infection. Because of paronychia, the nail may look detached, abnormally shaped, or have an unusual color.



There are three types of paronychia :
  1. Bacterial paronychia that is caused by bacteria.
  2. Candidal paronychia that is caused by a specific type of yeast.
  3. Fungal paronychia that is caused by a fungus other than Candida.

Nursing Intervention for paronychia:
  • Monitor temperature
  • Monitor for infection around the nails
  • Monitor for cellulitis in the affected area
  • Soaking the nail in hot water 2 or 3 times a day helps reduce inflammation and pain
  • Incision and drainage of infected area if prescribed
  • Antibiotic and fungicidal ointments as prescribed

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