Medical Definition of Paronychia

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Paronychia: Inflammation of the folds of tissue surrounding the nail due to infection or inflammation. The infection may be bacterial (most commonly, staph or strep) or fungal pathogens.

The term "paronychia" is compounded from "para-", next to + the Greek "onyx", nail = next to the nail. Paronychia is synonymous with perionychia.

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