Candida paronychia

Last Updated: 2023-07-07

Author(s): Anzengruber F., Navarini A.

ICD11: 1F23.13

  • Herpetic whitlow

Paronychia or onychomycosis caused by Candida spp. (mostly C. albicans).

  • Women : Men 3:1
  • especially on the index or middle finger

  • Predisposition factors
    • ↑ Exposure to moisture
    • Contact with carbohydrates
    • Hyperhidrosis
    • Acrocyanosis
    • Diabetes mellitus
  • Infection with Candida albicans can occur as a result of injuries (e.g. to the cuticle). The pathogens enter the proximal nail wall and infiltrate the entire paronychium

  • Buckled, pressure-dolent, reddish inflamed nail wall.
  • Erythematous, often pressure-dolent swelling of the paronychium. Associated detachment of the eponychium from the nail plate may lead to bacterial invasion and further mycosis. The nail plate may develop transverse grooves, and in the case of bacterial colonisation (P. aeruginosa), a greenish discolouration may occur.
  • Clinically, a distinction from tinea unguium (caused by dermatophytes) is not possible.

  • Anamnesis regarding predisposition factors
  • Clinical
  • Bact. and myco. smear from pus, scales or nail material

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