The condition may be a manifestation of several systemic diseases ie. Nail fold is red, local oedema, throbbing, tender. Pus is often present, indicating superficial bacterial infection. Erythema, mild swelling at proximal nail fold are the earliest signs. It is not usually painful but can flare up.
Cuticle is detached.
The close contact between nail fold and plate is lost leaving space in which water accumulates. There may be secondary Candidal or bacterial infection especially Pseudomonas. The nail may discolour. Once a pathogen or foreign body enters the tissues, the body's defence mechanism enduces a local inflammatory response. Thus the area becomes red, swollen and painful.