What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
panaris
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with panaris after noticing the redness and swelling around his nail. [panaris: noun]
Example
She had to undergo surgery to treat the panaris on her finger. [panaris: noun]
whitlow
Example
He developed a whitlow on his thumb after accidentally cutting it while cooking. [whitlow: noun]
Example
The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the whitlow on her toe. [whitlow: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whitlow is more commonly used than panaris in English-speaking countries. However, both terms are used in medical contexts and may not be familiar to non-medical professionals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between panaris and whitlow?
Both panaris and whitlow are formal medical terms and are not typically used in everyday conversation.
