What does the presence of pus at the nail base usually indicate?

The presence of pus at the nail base typically indicates an infection or inflammation in the area, which is characteristic of onychia. Onychia specifically refers to the inflammation of the nail matrix and can be accompanied by symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pus formation at the nail base. This condition often arises due to bacterial or fungal infections.

While other options might relate to nail health issues, they do not specifically correlate with the presence of pus. Nail trauma may cause injury and inflammation but does not necessarily involve pus unless there is a subsequent infection. Onychitis is a broader term that may also imply inflammation of the nail, but it is not as specific as onychia in terms of clearly indicating pus involvement. Onychophagy, or nail biting, does not relate to pus presence but instead reflects a habit that can lead to other nail damage or disorders.