NIC Esthetician Written ExamScientific ConceptsHard
A client presents with thickened, discolored (yellowish-brown), and brittle nails on their feet. The nails also appear crumbly and may be lifting from the nail bed. The esthetician suspects a fungal infection of the nail. What is the medical term for this condition?
- AOnychomycosis
- BTinea manuum
- COnycholysis
- DParonychia
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal infection of the nail, characterized by thickening, discoloration (often yellowish-brown), brittleness, and sometimes separation from the nail bed (onycholysis).
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Tinea manuum is a fungal infection of the hand, affecting the skin, not primarily the nails.
- C. Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, which can be a symptom of onychomycosis, but it's not the overall diagnosis for fungal infection.
- D. Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail, not the nail plate itself.
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails, characterized by nail discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and crumbling.
- More common in toenails than fingernails.
- Often caused by dermatophytes.
- Can lead to pain and difficulty wearing shoes.
Memory trick: Onychomycosis: Oh, no, my fungus is on my nail!