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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
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(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.
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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.