What condition can cause pus, swelling, and redness around the nail plate?

The condition that causes pus, swelling, and redness around the nail plate is paronychia. This is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding the nail, which can be caused by bacteria or fungi entering through breaks in the skin. It typically presents with symptoms such as inflammation, redness, warmth, and the presence of pus or abscess formation around the nail, making it distinguishable from other nail conditions.

Onychomycosis, for example, refers to a fungal infection of the nail itself, which often results in changes to the nail's appearance but does not typically present with the acute redness and swelling associated with paronychia. Onycholysis involves the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed but does not usually involve pus or significant swelling and redness. Onychocryptosis, commonly known as an ingrown nail, may cause pain and discomfort, but it does not typically lead to pus unless there is a secondary infection. Thus, paronychia is specifically associated with the signs of inflammation and infection around the nail plate, making it the correct choice.