Final answer:
An inflammation of the proximal and lateral nail folds is known as paronychia, which manifests as redness, swelling, and pain around the nail. It differs from onychomycosis, onycholysis, and onychocryptosis, conditions also affecting nails but with distinct symptoms and underlying causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
An inflammation of the proximal and lateral nail folds represents a condition known as paronychia. Paronychia is an infection of the periungual skin that causes redness, swelling, and pain around the nail, particularly affecting the cuticle and adjacent nail folds. This condition can be acute, developing suddenly and lasting for a few days, or chronic, lasting for several weeks or longer. At times, it can be caused by bacteria, and at other times, it may be caused by a fungal infection.
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail and is characterized by a thickened, brittle, and discolored nail. Onycholysis is the painless separation of the nail from the nail bed, and onychocryptosis, commonly known as an ingrown toenail, is when the nail grows into the nail fold. It is important to adequately identify the condition as the treatment varies depending on the underlying cause of the nail pathology.