Which condition involves bacterial inflammation of the skin surrounding the nail plate?

The condition that involves bacterial inflammation of the skin surrounding the nail plate is known as paronychia. This often occurs when bacteria enter through a break in the skin around the nail, potentially resulting in redness, swelling, and pain in that area. Paronychia can be acute or chronic, with acute cases typically stemming from an infection that develops quickly, while chronic cases may be related to repeated trauma or irritation.

In contrast, onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the nail, affecting the nail plate rather than the surrounding skin. Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, which can occur due to trauma or other factors but does not involve inflammation of the skin around the nail. Onychorrhexis describes the presence of brittle nails that are prone to splitting and does not specifically relate to inflammation or infection. Understanding these distinctions is critical for effective diagnosis and treatment in nail care and technician practices.