Candida and Other Yeasts as Nail Pathogens in Chronic Paronychia and Onycholysis of Fingernails

Paronychia and onycholysis are the common nail disorders with similar fundamental pathological findings. Fungi especially yeasts are frequently isolated. Seventy six patients with chronic paronychia and onycholysis attending the dermatology clinic in Tripoli Medical Center (TMC) were enrolled in a one year study. A detailed history and clinical examination was taken. The majority of cases were females (97.4%), with female to male ratio of 37.5:1. A history of chronic exposure to water was obtained in 88.2% of cases. Chronic paronychia was more common on the right hand; the right middle finger was the most commonly affected organ. Nail clippings and debris under nails were collected for direct microscopic examination and culture. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated organism (37.9%), followed by Candida tropicalis (30%); C.parapsilosis (20%) and other yeasts were isolated less frequently. This study revealed that C. albicans and other yeasts were important causes of chronic paronychia and onycholysis in the country.