What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
panaritium
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with panaritium and prescribed antibiotics. [panaritium: noun]
Example
She had a panaritium on her thumb that made it difficult to hold objects. [panaritium: noun]
whitlow
Example
He had a whitlow on his index finger that made it difficult to type. [whitlow: noun]
Example
The nurse treated her whitlow with warm compresses and antibiotics. [whitlow: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whitlow is more commonly used in everyday language than panaritium. It is a more informal term that is widely used in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between panaritium and whitlow?
Panaritium is a more formal term used in medical contexts, while whitlow is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
