Candida paronychia

Candida nail fold infection is relatively common and is usually seen in people with occupations requiring prolonged immersion of hands or feet in water. Micro-organisms, both Candida species and bacteria, invade the area under the nail fold.

Chronic candidal paronychia versus Tinea unguium

Discriminatory signs

Management

• candidal paronychia - in general topical treatment e.g. miconazole - treatment lasting 3-6 months may be required, until a new cuticle has formed
  • Systemic treatment is only indicated in the rare person unresponsive to topical treatment. Ideally, a swab or scrapings should be examined to confirm the diagnosis before commencing systemic treatment. Severe chronic Candida paronychia may occur in immunosuppressed people, when systemic treatment is usually necessary
  • may require antibiotic treatment if secondary infection
• tinea unguium - oral antifungal antifungal

Candida as a cause of onychomycosis is relatively rare with most cases of fungal nail infection due to dermatophyte infection.

Reference:

1. Prodigy Clinical Guidance (2002) - Candida - Skin and Nails