What condition is characterized by inflamed skin surrounding the nail?

The condition characterized by inflamed skin surrounding the nail is known as paronychia. This inflammation can result from various factors, including bacterial or fungal infections, trauma to the area, or irritants. Paronychia often manifests with symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes the presence of pus.

Understanding the specific characteristics of paronychia is essential for diagnosis and treatment, as early intervention can prevent complications. For instance, when infections are involved, a healthcare professional may require draining any abscesses, along with prescribing antibiotics if a bacterial infection is confirmed.

Other conditions mentioned, like onychia, relate specifically to inflammation of the nail matrix rather than the surrounding skin, while chloronychia refers to a green discoloration of the nails often due to pseudomonas infection, and subungual hematoma involves bleeding under the nail, usually as a result of trauma, rather than inflammation of the skin around the nail.