Can peripheral artery disease cause chronic paronychia?

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Last updated: February 17, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Peripheral Artery Disease and Chronic Paronychia

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is not a direct cause of chronic paronychia, as the primary factors contributing to chronic paronychia include wet occupations, thumb sucking in children, and allergic reactions to certain foods 1.

  • The development of chronic paronychia is more closely related to factors that lead to the detachment of the cuticle from the nail plate, allowing microorganisms to enter the subcuticular space and cause infection and inflammation.
  • However, in the context of real-life clinical medicine, it is essential to consider that patients with severe PAD may experience reduced blood flow to the extremities, which could potentially impair the healing process of any infection, including those associated with chronic paronychia.
  • Management of chronic paronychia in patients with PAD may involve topical treatments, but there is no direct evidence to suggest that PAD is a cause of chronic paronychia 1.
  • The primary approach to managing chronic paronychia should focus on addressing the underlying causes, such as avoiding irritants and managing any allergic reactions, rather than solely considering the patient's vascular health.

From the Research

Relationship Between Peripheral Artery Disease and Chronic Paronychia

  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest a link between peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic paronychia.
  • The studies focus on the management, diagnosis, and treatment of PAD, as well as its symptoms and risk factors 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • PAD is described as a condition characterized by the occlusion or narrowing of the arteries supplying the lower extremities, with symptoms such as intermittent claudication and poor cardiovascular outcomes 2, 3, 4.
  • The management of PAD includes exercise programs, medical therapy to lower cardiovascular risk, and endovascular revascularization 3, 5, 6.
  • However, none of the studies mention chronic paronychia, which is a condition characterized by inflammation of the skin around the nail, as a potential complication or associated condition of PAD.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Peripheral arterial disease: A small and large vessel problem.

American heart journal plus : cardiology research and practice, 2023

Research

Medical Management of Peripheral Artery Disease.

Seminars in interventional radiology, 2023

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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