Which condition involves redness and swelling around the nail folds?

Which condition involves redness and swelling around the nail folds?

• A. Paronychia
• B. Bedsores
• C. Onychomycosis
• D. Callus

Answer: (A)

Redness and swelling around the nail folds point to paronychia, an infection of the skin surrounding the nail where the cuticle and nail margins meet. When bacteria or fungi invade through tiny breaks from nail-biting, manicures, or minor trauma, the surrounding skin becomes inflamed—red, swollen, tender, and sometimes painful or with discharge. This pattern is distinct from other conditions: bedsores are injuries from prolonged pressure on skin over bony areas, not around the nails; onychomycosis involves the nail plate itself, causing thickened, yellowed or brittle nails rather than prominent surrounding inflammation; and a callus is a thickened patch of skin from friction, not an infection of the nail folds. Treatment usually involves keeping the area clean and dry, warm soaks, and depending on severity, topical or oral antibiotics for a bacterial infection or antifungals if a fungal infection is suspected. Seek care if redness spreads, there is fever, or pus develops.

Redness and swelling around the nail folds point to paronychia, an infection of the skin surrounding the nail where the cuticle and nail margins meet. When bacteria or fungi invade through tiny breaks from nail-biting, manicures, or minor trauma, the surrounding skin becomes inflamed—red, swollen, tender, and sometimes painful or with discharge. This pattern is distinct from other conditions: bedsores are injuries from prolonged pressure on skin over bony areas, not around the nails; onychomycosis involves the nail plate itself, causing thickened, yellowed or brittle nails rather than prominent surrounding inflammation; and a callus is a thickened patch of skin from friction, not an infection of the nail folds. Treatment usually involves keeping the area clean and dry, warm soaks, and depending on severity, topical or oral antibiotics for a bacterial infection or antifungals if a fungal infection is suspected. Seek care if redness spreads, there is fever, or pus develops.