NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A client presents with thick, discolored (yellow-brown), and brittle toenails. The nails also appear lifted from the nail bed, and there is debris accumulating underneath. Which nail condition is the cosmetologist most likely observing?
- AOnychia
- BOnychocryptosis
- COnycholysis
- DOnychomycosis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, commonly causing thickening, discoloration (yellow, brown, white), brittleness, and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed (onycholysis) with subungual debris.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Onychia is inflammation of the nail matrix, typically causing redness, swelling, and pus, not primarily discoloration and thickening.
- B. Onychocryptosis is an ingrown nail, where the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin, causing pain and inflammation.
- C. Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, which can be a symptom of onychomycosis, but onychomycosis is the overarching condition described by all symptoms.
Onychomycosis
A common fungal infection of the nail, leading to discolored, thickened, and brittle nails, often with subungual debris and separation from the nail bed.
- Fungal infection of the nail
- Causes discoloration (yellow, brown, white)
- Nail thickening and brittleness
- Often involves onycholysis (nail lifting) and debris
Memory trick: Mycosis Makes My Nails Mighty Messy