What condition is characterized by an infection around the nail?

The condition characterized by an infection around the nail is paronychia. This infection typically affects the skin that surrounds the nail, resulting in redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes pus. Paronychia can occur due to bacteria or fungi entering through breaks in the skin, often following trauma or excessive moisture exposure.

Melanonychia refers to a discoloration of the nail that presents as a dark stripe, which is unrelated to infection. Plicatured nail involves an abnormal curvature of the nail, usually due to genetic factors or trauma, rather than an infection. Leukonychia, on the other hand, is characterized by white spots or patches on the nails, often due to minor trauma or systemic diseases, but is not indicative of an infection. Understanding these distinctions helps in identifying and treating nail conditions appropriately.