Periungual panaritium is an infection of the soft tissues around the nail bed, being quite common in patients of all ages. The incidence of the disease is higher in certain people who perform manual labor (gardeners, tailors, etc.), in diabetics, those with depressed immune system or when performing manicure with improperly sterilized instruments.

The causes of panaritium are multiple:

• repeated traumas, contusions, scratches, stings

• manicure

• certain diseases: eczema, dermatitis

• chemicals, detergents

Symptoms are similar in both acute and chronic form and include:

• local erythema (redness located periungually)

• throbbing pain in the finger

• sensitivity, swelling (swelling) of the area

• accumulation of pus

• increase in volume of the affected finger

Complications of panaritium include:

• the abscess which is a purulent collection, which if ignored can extend centripetally to the bone, joint and tendon.

• onychodystophy- deformation of the nail blade

In the early stages it is recommended:

• immobilization of the finger

• application of local compresses

• ice

• systemic antibiotic therapy

Surgical treatment is recommended when the purulent collection has formed on the nail and consists of:

• excision of the collection together with a portion of healthy tissue

• copious washing with hydrogen peroxide, betadine and saline

• suture with waiting threads and dressing

• immobilization of the finger on the splint

• anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and analgesic treatment will be administered

• the dressing is changed every 2-3 days

• avoidance of local traumas

• keeping the dressing clean and dry

• sutures are removed every 14 days