NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A client presents with thick, discolored (yellow-brown), and brittle toenails. The nails also appear crumbly and may separate from the nail bed. What nail condition does the cosmetologist suspect?
- AOnychocryptosis
- BOnychorrhexis
- COnychomycosis
- DOnychophagy
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, commonly causing the nail to become thick, discolored (yellow-brown), brittle, and sometimes crumbly or separated from the nail bed.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Onychocryptosis is an ingrown nail, characterized by the nail growing into the skin, causing pain and swelling, not general discoloration and thickness.
- B. Onychorrhexis refers to brittle nails with lengthwise ridges and splits, but not necessarily the extensive discoloration and thickness associated with fungal infection.
- D. Onychophagy is nail biting, which typically results in short, ragged nails, not thick and discolored ones.
Onychomycosis
A common fungal infection of the nail, characterized by thickening, discoloration (often yellow-brown), brittleness, and sometimes crumbling or separation of the nail plate.
- Fungal infection
- Causes thick, discolored, brittle nails
- May cause nail separation (onychomadesis)
Memory trick: Mycosis Makes Nails Mucky, Mushy, and Messy.