Harry presents with an red and swollen finger after a recent manicure. 

What are the causes of Paronychia (swelling of proximal nail folds)?

  • Trauma
  • Manicure
  • Candida
  • Staph infection
  • Herpetic Whitlow

What is the Management of Acute paronychia?

  • Incision and Drainage
  • Soak affected digit in warm water, several times daily.
  • Topical antiseptic.
  • Flucoxacillin 500mg QID 5 days
  • Aciclovir in case of severe herpes simplex infection.
  • Nail removal

Reading

  1. Murtaghs General Practice Chapter 129 – http://murtagh.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1522&sectionid=116046129
  2. Murtaghs Practice Tips – Chapter 8 – Nail Problems – http://murtagh.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?bookid=1920&sectionid=143276631

Podcast

  1. GP Core Content Podcast Episode 150 – Dermatology | Nails