What is the term for the separation and falling off of a nail plate, often linked to local infection?

• A. Onycholysis
• B. Onychomadesis
• C. Onychia
• D. Onychosis

Answer: (B)

The term that accurately describes the separation and falling off of a nail plate, often associated with a local infection, is onycholysis. Onycholysis refers specifically to the condition where the nail becomes detached from the nail bed, and it can occur due to various factors, including trauma, infections, and underlying health conditions.

Onychomadesis, while closely related, refers specifically to the separation of the nail plate from the nail matrix, resulting in shedding or complete loss of the nail. This condition is often linked to systemic issues, rather than primarily a local infection.

Onychia is an inflammation of the nail matrix itself and can lead to nail loss, but it denotes a different pathological state compared to the detachment seen in onycholysis.

Onychosis is a broader term that encompasses any abnormal condition of the nails, which could include various problems such as thickening, dystrophy, or discoloration, but does not specifically refer to the separation of the nail plate.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for correctly identifying and addressing nail disorders in nail technology practices.