What is considered a common symptom of onychia?

Onychia is an inflammation of the nail matrix, which is typically associated with infection. A common symptom of this condition is the presence of pus at the nail matrix, indicating that there is an underlying infection that has led to the inflammatory response. The pus can often be seen accumulating at the base of the nail where the nail growth occurs, and this can be accompanied by pain and swelling in the area.

This symptom helps differentiate onychia from other nail conditions where discoloration or changes in nail texture, such as brittleness or thickening, may occur but are not necessarily indicative of an inflammatory or infectious process like onychia. The presence of pus is more specific to onychia and signals a need for appropriate medical evaluation or treatment. This understanding is crucial for anyone in the nail care profession as it aids in recognizing and managing potential infections effectively.