Which term describes inflammation around the nail base?

Which term describes inflammation around the nail base?

• A. Paronychia
• B. Beau’s Lines
• C. Onychomycosis
• D. Clubbing

Answer: (A)

Paronychia describes inflammation around the nail base, involving the skin folds that surround the nail. It happens when the cuticle or surrounding skin is irritated or damaged, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter. You’ll typically see redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes pus near the nail base. This is distinct from other nail conditions: Beau’s lines are horizontal ridges across the nail from a disruption in growth; onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail itself, causing thickened, brittle, discolored nails; and clubbing refers to an overall change in fingertip shape with nails that appear curved or rounded, usually related to chronic underlying conditions. So the term for inflammation around the nail base is paronychia.

Paronychia describes inflammation around the nail base, involving the skin folds that surround the nail. It happens when the cuticle or surrounding skin is irritated or damaged, allowing bacteria or fungi to enter. You’ll typically see redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes pus near the nail base. This is distinct from other nail conditions: Beau’s lines are horizontal ridges across the nail from a disruption in growth; onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail itself, causing thickened, brittle, discolored nails; and clubbing refers to an overall change in fingertip shape with nails that appear curved or rounded, usually related to chronic underlying conditions. So the term for inflammation around the nail base is paronychia.