Onychomycosis vs. Paronychia — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails leading to discoloration and thickening. Paronychia is an inflammation around the nail, typically caused by bacteria or fungi, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain.
Difference Between Onychomycosis and Paronychia
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Key Differences
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that primarily affects the toenails, causing discoloration, thickening, and potential crumbling of the nail. Paronychia, on the other hand, is an acute or chronic infection of the skin surrounding the nail, usually due to bacteria or fungi, resulting in painful swelling and redness.
Onychomycosis often develops over time due to poor hygiene or underlying conditions like diabetes, whereas paronychia can occur suddenly, typically after an injury, nail biting, or exposure to moisture.
Onychomycosis is treated with oral or topical antifungal medications, while paronychia may require antibiotics, antifungal agents, or drainage if an abscess forms.
Onychomycosis may cause the entire nail to thicken or change color, whereas paronychia typically affects the skin at the base or sides of the nail, leading to swelling and tenderness.
Onychomycosis is more prevalent among older adults and those with circulatory problems, whereas paronychia can affect anyone frequently exposed to water or chemicals, such as healthcare workers and dishwashers.
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Comparison Chart
Cause
Fungal infection (dermatophytes, yeasts)
Bacterial or fungal infection
Affected Area
Toenails or fingernails
Skin around the nail
Symptoms
Discoloration, thickening, crumbling nails
Redness, swelling, tenderness, abscess formation
Risk Factors
Age, diabetes, nail trauma
Nail biting, moisture exposure, injury
Treatment
Oral/topical antifungals
Antibiotics, antifungals, drainage if needed
Compare with Definitions
Onychomycosis
Fungal infection affecting the nails, causing thickening and discoloration.
Her toenails became thick and discolored due to onychomycosis.
Paronychia
Inflammation of the skin around a nail, leading to redness and swelling.
She had to stop biting her nails after developing paronychia.
Onychomycosis
Condition often requiring prolonged antifungal treatment.
He needed several months of treatment to cure his onychomycosis.
Paronychia
Infection caused by bacteria or fungi entering through a break in the skin.
Minor cuts around his fingernail led to paronychia.
Onychomycosis
Nail disease linked to poor hygiene and underlying health issues.
Diabetes increased his susceptibility to onychomycosis.
Paronychia
Nail infection that can be either acute or chronic.
Acute paronychia caused severe swelling and needed antibiotics.
Onychomycosis
Nail disorder that may cause nails to crumble or become brittle.
Onychomycosis made her nails fragile and prone to breakage.
Paronychia
Painful nail condition sometimes leading to abscess formation.
The doctor drained an abscess caused by paronychia.
Onychomycosis
Infection that commonly occurs in older adults.
The elderly are more prone to onychomycosis due to slower nail growth.
Paronychia
Infection often occurring in people whose hands are frequently wet.
Paronychia affected the dishwasher’s fingers due to constant moisture exposure.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium, is a fungal infection of the nail. Symptoms may include white or yellow nail discoloration, thickening of the nail, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Paronychia
Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin around the nail, which can occur suddenly, when it is usually due to the bacteria Staph. aureus, or gradually when it is commonly caused by Candida albicans.
Onychomycosis
A fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails that results in thickening, roughness, and splitting of the nails.
Paronychia
Inflammation of the tissue surrounding a fingernail or toenail.
Onychomycosis
Fungal infection of the nail, especially the toenail.
Paronychia
(medicine) An infection under the cuticle of a fingernail or toenail.
Paronychia
A whitlow, or felon{3}.
Paronychia
Infection in the tissues adjacent to a nail on a finger or toe
Paronychia
Low-growing annual or perennial herbs or woody plants; whitlowworts
Common Curiosities
Can onychomycosis cause nail pain?
Yes, it can cause pain if the nail becomes severely thickened or the infection spreads.
Is paronychia more common in fingernails or toenails?
Paronychia is more common in fingernails due to frequent exposure to water and chemicals.
Is paronychia contagious?
Paronychia is not typically contagious, but the bacteria or fungi causing it can spread to others through open wounds.
Who is at a higher risk of onychomycosis?
Older adults, diabetics, and those with poor circulation or nail trauma are at higher risk.
How long does it take for onychomycosis to heal?
Treatment can take several months because the new nail must grow back fully.
What is onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that affects the nails, leading to discoloration and thickening.
Is surgery ever needed for onychomycosis or paronychia?
In severe cases, surgical removal of the nail may be necessary for both conditions.
What are common symptoms of paronychia?
Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and possibly an abscess near the nail.
What increases the risk of paronychia?
Nail-biting, frequent exposure to water, or injury to the nail area increases the risk.
What are potential complications of paronychia?
Untreated paronychia can lead to abscess formation and deeper infections.
How does paronychia differ from onychomycosis?
Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail, while onychomycosis affects the nail itself.
How is onychomycosis treated?
Onychomycosis is usually treated with oral or topical antifungal medications.
How can onychomycosis be prevented?
Maintaining good hygiene, keeping nails trimmed, and avoiding shared nail tools can help prevent onychomycosis.
Are there different types of onychomycosis?
Yes, there are different forms, like distal subungual onychomycosis and white superficial onychomycosis.
Can paronychia recur after treatment?
Yes, paronychia can recur if the underlying risk factors remain.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
