A 55-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis, on long-term corticosteroid therapy, presents with multiple, painful red and swollen nail folds. What might this be, and what should the management plan include?
This patient's symptoms are indicative of Candida paronychia, a yeast infection that affects the nail folds. Long-term corticosteroid use, which suppresses the immune system, can increase the risk of such infections. Treatment typically includes a topical antifungal medication, and in severe cases, it may require an oral antifungal. Her corticosteroid therapy might also need to be reviewed and adjusted if possible.