Two cases of perionychial infections associated with the use of sculptured
fingernails are presented. Both patients developed paroncyhia necessitating
incision and drainage. One patient, a diabetic, had a concomitant subungua
l abscess and felon which required repeat drainage and debridement as well
as intravenous antibiotics over an extended period for complete resolution.
Sculptured fingernails may be risk factors for the development of digit in
fections through various mechanisms, and users of these cosmetic devices, e
specially diabetics and immunocompromised people, should be made aware of t
heir potential for infectious complications. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B Saun
ders Company.