Onychia refers to inflammation of which part of the nail?

Onychia specifically refers to the inflammation of the nail matrix. The nail matrix is the tissue located beneath the base of the nail, where new nail cells are produced. When inflammation occurs in this area, it can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and potentially changes in the appearance of the nail itself as it grows. Understanding this key aspect of nail anatomy is crucial for recognizing and diagnosing conditions related to nail health, particularly in the context of professional nail care practices. Other parts of the nail structure, like the nail bed, eponychium, and hyponychium, have different functions and associated conditions but do not relate specifically to onychia.