What symptoms might accompany an acute paronychia?

• A. Dryness and cracking of the skin
• B. Swelling, redness, and pain surrounding the nail
• C. White spots on the nail
• D. Change in the nail color to yellow

Answer: (B)

Acute paronychia is characterized by an inflammation of the tissue surrounding the nail, which typically presents with symptoms that include swelling, redness, and pain in the affected area. This condition often arises due to an infection, usually bacterial, which leads to the accumulation of pus and increased blood flow to the area, resulting in noticeable swelling and a red appearance around the nail. The pain is a direct response to the inflammation and infection, which can make the area sensitive to touch. These symptoms clearly indicate the acute nature of the condition, distinguishing it from other nail conditions that may not exhibit such intense inflammation or discomfort.

The other options do not align with the typical symptoms associated with acute paronychia. Dryness and cracking of the skin may indicate a different set of conditions, such as eczema or dermatitis. White spots on the nail can result from a variety of non-infectious causes, such as trauma or certain nutritional deficiencies, and are not typical indicators of paronychia. Lastly, a change in nail color to yellow may suggest other issues such as fungal infections or systemic health problems, rather than the acute inflammation seen in paronychia.