Whitlow, felon and paronychia - a clinical review of superficial hand infections

Mikołaj Domański; Natalia Wierzejska; Barbara Kopczyńska; Oliwia Czyżniewska; Karolina Czupryńska; Karina Otręba; Julia Szałajska; Maria Wojcieszek

doi:10.12775/QS.2024.24.55531

Authors

Mikołaj Domański Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1581-6640
Natalia Wierzejska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5373-400X
Barbara Kopczyńska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5944-0165
Oliwia Czyżniewska School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Warmińsko-mazurskie, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0388-0269
Karolina Czupryńska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8932-2688
Karina Otręba Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9655-5353
Julia Szałajska Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8866-5419
Maria Wojcieszek Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3807-7317

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2024.24.55531

Keywords

paronychia, nail diseases, skin diseases, infections

Abstract

Paronychia, felon and herpetic whitlow are common superficial hand infections. Although having similarities there are many differences between clinical presentation and treatment. Paronychia can present as acute and chronic condition. Treatment options varies from medical to surgical therapy. Formed abscesses may require drainage and possible antibiotic course. Herpetic whitlow is rare manifestation of hand infection with unique treatment options. Chronic infections differs in etiology and clinical presentation and need specialized treatment. Role of noninfectious causes should always be considered, including malignancy if no adequate treatment response is gained. Making correct diagnosis, followed by adequate treatment will prevent huge range of complications. Article reviews common hand infections, presentation, diagnosis and treatment strategies.

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Whitlow, felon and paronychia - a clinical review of superficial hand infections

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Whitlow, felon and paronychia - a clinical review of superficial hand infections

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