What is the primary indication of onychia?

The primary indication of onychia is inflammation with pus. Onychia is an inflammation of the nail matrix, which can occur due to infection or trauma. This condition usually presents with symptoms such as swelling, redness, and the presence of pus around the nail bed. The inflammation indicates that the body is responding to an infection or injury in that area, leading to the production of pus as part of the immune response.

While color changes, pain at the nail bed, and separation of the nail can also occur with other nail conditions, they are not definitive indicators of onychia. Color changes may arise due to various issues, including fungal infections or discoloration from other causes. Pain can be a result of numerous factors, including injury or pressure, not just onychia. Nail separation, known as onycholysis, can occur independently of onychia, often stemming from other types of trauma or infections. Therefore, the presence of inflammation with pus is the most definitive sign associated with onychia, as it directly correlates with the condition's inflammatory nature.