NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A client complains of significant pain and inflammation around the nail folds, accompanied by a pus-filled lesion. This condition, often caused by bacterial or fungal infection, is known as:
- AParonychia
- BOnychogryphosis
- COnychia
- DEponychia
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Paronychia
Paronychia is an inflammation of the skin around the nail, specifically the nail folds, often presenting with pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes pus, caused by bacterial or fungal infection.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Onychogryphosis is a thickened, curved nail, often resembling a ram's horn.
- C. Onychia is inflammation of the nail matrix, leading to shedding of the nail.
- D. Eponychia refers to the inflammation of the eponychium (cuticle area) but paronychia is the broader term for nail fold inflammation.
Paronychia
An infection or inflammation of the skin folds around the nail, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus.
- Can be acute (bacterial) or chronic (fungal)
- Often caused by trauma, frequent water exposure, or improper nail care
- Requires medical attention, especially if pus is present
Memory trick: Paronychia is 'P-ain' around the 'P-eri-nail' (around the nail) folds.