What type of inflammation affects the skin surrounding the nail plate?

Paronychia is an inflammation that specifically affects the tissue surrounding the nail plate. It can result from a bacterial or fungal infection and often presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and tenderness around the nail.

This condition typically arises when there is a breach in the skin barrier, often due to trauma, improper nail care, or excessive moisture. Recognizing paronychia is important for nail technicians and professionals because it requires appropriate care to prevent complications, such as abscess formation or progression of the infection.

In contrast, onychomycosis is a fungal infection that directly impacts the nail plate itself, leading to changes in color, thickness, and texture, rather than involving the surrounding skin. Onychia refers to inflammation of the nail matrix, which usually affects the nail growth itself rather than the skin around the nail. A plicatured nail is a structural nail abnormality characterized by a folded or bent appearance, which does not involve inflammation of the surrounding skin.

Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying and providing the correct treatment for nail-related issues.