Paronychia and onychomycosis can both affect nails. Which statement correctly distinguishes them?
Explanation
Paronychia is an infection of the soft tissue fold around the nail (the paronychium), typically caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, presenting as a red, swollen, painful, sometimes pus-filled cuticle area. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate itself, usually by dermatophytes, presenting as thickened, yellow, crumbling nails over weeks to months. A California licensee may not diagnose or treat either; the correct response is to refuse the service over the infected area and refer to a physician, consistent with CCR Title 16 §980.3 and BBC scope. Options B, C, and D blur the bacterial-versus-fungal distinction the exam tests directly.
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