What is the most common symptom of paronychia?

Pain and swelling are the hallmark symptoms associated with paronychia, which is an infection of the tissue surrounding the nails. This condition can arise from various factors, including bacteria or fungi, leading to an inflammatory response. The pain is typically localized around the affected nail, and swelling may cause the surrounding skin to appear red and inflamed. This inflammation is your body's natural response to infection, aiming to limit the spread of infectious agents.

While nail discoloration, itching, and blisters can occur in various skin conditions or infections, they are not the primary or most characteristic symptoms of paronychia. Pain and swelling specifically indicate the presence of inflammation and infection in the area surrounding the nail, making them the most common and defining symptoms for this condition. Understanding this helps to correctly identify paronychia and differentiate it from other nail or skin issues.