Types based on duration 

* Acute paronychia – results from the disruption of the protective barrier between the nail and the nail fold, introducing bacteria and predisposing the area  to get infected less than six weeks, painful and purulent condition.          

* Caused by a bacterial infection,( staphylococcus ) especially limited to one nail; 

* Chronic paronychia – caused by mechanical or chemical factors and sometimes infectious etiology like a fungal infection, especially Candida species. 

Risk factors 

occupation (dishwasher, bartender, housekeeper), certain medications, and immunosuppression (diabetes, HIV, malignancy).

Classification based on etiology:

* Bacterial, commonly staphylococci

* Viral, commonly Herpes simplex virus

* Fungal, commonly Candida species 

* Noninfectious causes of paronychia can include contact irritants, excessive moisture, and medication reaction( multiple nail involvement) 

Condition, progresses through stages characterized by non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions, graded from mild to severe 

* Grade 1 (Mild):
includes comedones (whiteheads and blackheads) with occasional papules (small, raised red bumps). 


* Grade 2 (Moderate):
incudes comedones and papules, with some pustules (pus-filled bumps). 


* Grade 3 (Moderately Severe):
Includes comedones, papules, and pustules, along with occasionally inflamed nodules (larger, deeper bumps). 


* Grade 4 (Severe):
Presents numerous large, painful, and inflamed pustules and nodules,  leading to cysts and scarring.

Cup-shaped indentation of the epidermis into the dermis, with the presence of intracytoplasmic viral inclusions known as molluscum bodies or Henderson-Paterson bodies.

Molluscum contagiosum, A viral skin infection that results in round, firm, painless bumps.

Speeads through contact with an infected person or a contaminated object.

* Being ages 1 to 10.is most common in children.

* Having a weakened immune system.

* Having atopic dermatitis. Creates entry point for virus into skin .