What does Paronychia involve?

Paronychia specifically refers to the infection that occurs in the tissue surrounding the cuticle, which can happen when bacteria or yeast enter the skin through a break or disruption. This condition often presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain around the nail, and it can result from improper nail care, injuries, or prolonged exposure to moisture. Understanding paronychia is crucial for nail technicians, as they must recognize the signs of infection and address them appropriately to maintain nail and hand health.

The other options describe different conditions or issues related to nails but do not accurately define paronychia. For instance, inflammation of the nail bed is related to a separate condition called onychitis. Fungus growth on the nail refers to fungal nail infections, which can affect the nail itself rather than the tissue around it. Severe nail lifting from the nail bed, known as onycholysis, is another distinct condition that occurs when the nail separates from the nail bed but does not involve an infection of the surrounding tissue.