Paronychia vs. Subungual Paronychia

Attribute	Paronychia	Subungual Paronychia
Location	Around the nail	Under the nail
Cause	Bacterial or fungal infection	Bacterial infection
Symptoms	Redness, swelling, pain, pus	Swelling, tenderness, pus
Treatment	Antibiotics, drainage	Antibiotics, drainage

Overview

Paronychia and subungual paronychia are both infections that affect the skin around the nails. Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail, while subungual paronychia is an infection that occurs under the nail. Both conditions can be painful and may require medical treatment to resolve.

Cause

Paronychia is typically caused by bacteria entering the skin around the nail through a cut or scrape. It can also be caused by fungal infections or irritants such as chemicals. Subungual paronychia, on the other hand, is usually caused by trauma to the nail, such as slamming it in a door or dropping a heavy object on it. This trauma allows bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of paronychia and subungual paronychia are similar and can include redness, swelling, and pain around the nail. In more severe cases, there may be pus or drainage from the affected area. Both conditions can also cause the nail to become discolored or detached from the nail bed.

Treatment

Treatment for paronychia and subungual paronychia typically involves keeping the affected area clean and dry. In some cases, a doctor may need to drain any pus or prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. For subungual paronychia, the nail may need to be partially or completely removed to allow the infection to heal properly.

Prevention

Preventing paronychia and subungual paronychia involves practicing good nail hygiene. This includes keeping nails trimmed and clean, avoiding biting or picking at the nails, and wearing gloves when working with chemicals or doing activities that could cause trauma to the nails. It is also important to treat any cuts or scrapes around the nails promptly to prevent infection.

Complications

If left untreated, both paronychia and subungual paronychia can lead to more serious complications. These can include the spread of infection to other parts of the body, permanent nail damage, or the formation of abscesses. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove infected tissue or repair damaged nails.

Conclusion

While paronychia and subungual paronychia are similar in many ways, they have distinct differences in terms of cause and location. Both conditions can be painful and may require medical intervention to resolve. Practicing good nail hygiene and seeking prompt treatment for any signs of infection can help prevent complications and promote healing.