Disease: paronychia

Epidemiology of Onychomycosis in the United States Characterized Using Molecular Methods, 2015–2024

This large study examined over 710,000 nail samples to identify which fungi cause nail infections in the United States. Using modern molecular testing combined with microscopic analysis, researchers found that while the fungus T. rubrum is most common, other molds and yeasts cause many infections too. Importantly, women and older adults are more likely to have infections from these other organisms, which are often harder to treat with standard antifungal medications.

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Onychomycosis in the US Pediatric Population—An Emphasis on Fusarium Onychomycosis

This study examined nail fungus infections in American children using advanced molecular testing. Researchers found that elementary school-aged children (ages 6-11) have the highest rates of nail fungus, usually caused by common fungi like Trichophyton rubrum. Notably, Fusarium, an environmental fungus that was once rare in nail infections, is becoming increasingly common, especially in older teenagers, which may require different treatment approaches.

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The refractory nailbed ulceration caused by Candida parapsilosis after nail extraction

An 82-year-old woman developed a stubborn wound on her toenail bed after having her nail surgically removed to treat an infection. When the wound did not heal for six months, doctors discovered it was caused by a fungus called Candida parapsilosis, which is normally found on skin but can cause infections when given the opportunity through wounds. After identifying the fungus, doctors treated her with an antifungal medication called fluconazole for three months, and her wound completely healed. This case shows the importance of testing chronic nail infections for their specific cause before performing surgery.

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The refractory nailbed ulceration caused by Candida parapsilosis after nail extraction

An 82-year-old woman developed a stubborn ulcer on her toenail bed after having the nail surgically removed to treat an infected nail fold. Testing revealed the ulcer was caused by a yeast called Candida parapsilosis, which typically causes infections after physical trauma or injury to the skin. Treatment with an antifungal medication called fluconazole successfully healed the ulcer over three months. This is the first reported case of this specific type of infection following nail removal and highlights the importance of properly identifying the cause of chronic nail infections.

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