What is the name of a bacterial infection with pus at the nail matrix?

The correct term for a bacterial infection that occurs with pus at the nail matrix is known as onychia. This condition specifically refers to the inflammation and infection of the nail matrix, which can lead to exudate formation, such as pus. In onychia, the infection often stems from bacteria and can occur due to trauma or injury to the nail area or as a result of improper nail care.

Other terms like paronychia refer to inflammation at the skin fold around the nail rather than the matrix itself, which makes it specific to the area surrounding the nail rather than the nail matrix. Similarly, fungal infections involve pathogens that affect the nail or surrounding tissues but are distinct from bacterial infections. A hangnail is a small piece of torn skin near the nail and is not an infection, making it unrelated to the question of a bacterial infection with pus. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying and treating nail-related conditions effectively.