- Paronychia
- Inflammation of the folds of tissue surrounding the nail due to infection. The infection may be bacterial (most commonly, staph or strep) or to fungal. The term "paronychia" is compounded from "para-", next to + the Greek "onyx", nail = next to the nail. Paronychia is synonymous with perionychia.
* * *Suppurative inflammation of the nail fold surrounding the nail plate; may be due to bacteria or fungi, most commonly staphylococci and streptococci. [para- + G. onyx, nail]
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par·o·nych·ia .par-ə-'nik-ē-ə n inflammation of the tissues adjacent to the nail of a finger or toe usu. accompanied by infection and pus formation compare WHITLOW* * *
(whitlow)n.an inflamed swelling of the nail folds. Acute paronychia is usually caused by infection with Staphylococcus aureus. Chronic paronychia occurs mainly in those who habitually engage in wet work; it is associated with secondary infection with Candida. It is vital to keep the hands dry in order to control chronic paronychia.* * *
par·onych·ia (par″o-nikґe-ə) [para- + onych- + -ia] inflammation involving the folds of tissue surrounding the nail, with erythema and loss of the cuticle. Called also perionychia. See also onychia.
Medical dictionary. 2011.