How can I distinguish between paronychia and onychomycosis?

Update Date: 2024-08-20 Source: Network

Differences Between Paronychia and Onychomycosis in Etiology, Location, Symptoms, and Treatment

Both paronychia and onychomycosis can manifest with redness and swelling, but they are distinct in etiology, prevalent locations, symptoms, and treatment approaches. If unable to differentiate between the two, it is advisable to seek prompt medical attention at a reputable hospital for a definitive diagnosis.

1. Etiology

Paronychia commonly arises from ingrown nails, nail trauma, or the removal of hangnails, leading to inflammatory reactions in the nail groove and surrounding tissues. In contrast, onychomycosis is predominantly caused by fungal infections. When dermatophytes invade the nail plate and nail bed, they release various enzymes that decompose the nail plate, resulting in its cloudiness, discoloration, thickening, uneven surface, and atrophy.

2. Prevalent Location

Paronychia typically affects the sides of the nails, often triggered by injuries, ingrown nails, or hangnail removal, constituting an acute suppurative inflammation of the perionychium. Conversely, onychomycosis commonly targets the nail plate itself, invading from the distal end or the left lateral margin, damaging the plate, and causing cloudiness, discoloration, thickening, and even detachment.

3. Symptoms

Paronychia is characterized by more severe redness, swelling, and pain, potentially progressing to suppuration with pus discharge. Onychomycosis, while also presenting with redness and swelling, tends to have milder pain symptoms but carries a contagious nature, accompanied by nail plate thickening and discoloration.

4. Treatment

The primary treatment for paronychia focuses on anti-inflammatory measures, involving topical application of antibiotics like erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment, and oral antibiotics such as cefalexin capsules or amoxicillin capsules when necessary. In contrast, onychomycosis treatment revolves around antifungal therapy, employing topical medications like amorolfine hydrochloride solution and oral medications like itraconazole capsules or terbinafine hydrochloride tablets.