Nail Avulsion for Paronychia

Paronychia is an infection of the nail, commonly the big toe when the edges of the nail dig into the sides. This allows bacteria to enter the skin causing a chronic infection with the nail acting as a foreign body. Here is a case of chronic paronychia which has been rumbling along for month. It is commonly seen in workers who use safety shoes and those who cut their nails too close to the edge. A chronology of the nail avulsion (removal) follows.















Day 1 : The toe is swollen, painful and infected with pus at both edges of the toenail. The toenail has to be removed to allow healing.


Day 2 : One day after the nail has been removed and cleaned. The swelling has improved and there is healthy granulation tissue. There is no more pus discharge.



Day 7 : The nail bed is drying up and swelling has gone.


10 days post Nail Avulsion
Originally uploaded by docfiles.

The toe has healed well and is dry. A new toenail will take 4-6 months to grow back.