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Dermatology14 papers

Paronychia of toe of right foot

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Paronychia of the toe, often associated with onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail), involves inflammation and infection around the nail fold, potentially extending to deeper tissues. 12

Diagnosis

  • Presence of localized pain, redness, swelling around the nail.
  • Possible purulent drainage.
  • Physical examination to assess nail plate penetration into the skin.
  • No specific diagnostic tests mentioned; clinical judgment is key. 12
  • Management

  • First-line treatments:
  • - Conservative taping methods, though kinesiology tape may improve adherence 1. - Use of shape-memory alloy devices for easy application and removal without pain 2.
  • Adjunctive treatments:
  • - Warm soaks in antiseptic solutions (not specified in abstracts). - Oral antibiotics if infection is severe (specific drugs not mentioned). 12

    Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: No specific recommendations provided.
  • Elderly: No specific recommendations provided.
  • Comorbidities: No specific considerations mentioned for patients with comorbidities. 12
  • Key Recommendations

  • Consider kinesiology tape for improved adherence in conservative taping treatments for onychocryptosis [Evidence: Expert opinion]. 1
  • Explore the use of Cu-Al-Mn-based shape-memory alloy devices as an effective, cost-efficient alternative for managing ingrown toenails [Evidence: Moderate]. 2
  • Prioritize conservative methods initially; surgical intervention may be necessary for refractory cases, though specifics are not detailed in provided abstracts [Evidence: Expert opinion].
  • References

    1 Geizhals S, Lipner SR. Clinical pearl: kinesiology tape for onychocryptosis. Cutis 2019. link 2 Ishibashi M, Tabata N, Suetake T, Omori T, Sutou Y, Kainuma R et al.. A simple method to treat an ingrowing toenail with a shape-memory alloy device. The Journal of dermatological treatment 2008. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Clinical pearl: kinesiology tape for onychocryptosis.Geizhals S, Lipner SR Cutis (2019)
    2. [2]
      A simple method to treat an ingrowing toenail with a shape-memory alloy device.Ishibashi M, Tabata N, Suetake T, Omori T, Sutou Y, Kainuma R et al. The Journal of dermatological treatment (2008)

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