This pus-pocket was punctured with a sterile needle and the white pus extruded. Candida was cultured.

ACUTE PARONYCHIA

Acute Paronychia is the acute infection of the skin about the nail. Bacterial infections are the primary cause, with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes being the most frequent culprits, but Candida may also be found.

Pus may or may not be seen or expressed.
Sometimes only redness and tenderness is present.

Clinical

The skin about the nail is inflamed and tender acutely. By definition, the condition is recent, as opposed to chronic paronychia. Pus may be seen. If involving the proximal nail fold, the nail may ultimately fall off. (Hopefully it will regrow normally.)

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