Systemic drug-induced chronic paronychia and periungual pyogenic granuloma

Uwe Wollina

Indian Dermatology Online Journal 2018 9(5):293-298

Paronychia is a painful inflammatory disorder of the nail fold. Periungual pyogenic granuloma – a benign vascular tumor of the capillaries – can develop as a complication of paronychia. We report both, paronychia and periungual pyogenic granuloma, as possible adverse events during systemic drug-therapy. The following groups of systemic drugs have been considered: taxanes, epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of MEK/ERK, BRAF inhibitors, CD20 antagonists, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, and retinoids. Recommendations for prevention and treatment are given. Since paronychia is a painful inflammatory disorder that has a negative impact on daily activities, early recognition and adequate treatment improve adhesion to treatment and quality of life.