Colorado Cosmetology Written Practice Exam

What is the condition called where the nails shed or fall off?

1. Onycholysis

2. Onychoptosis

3. Onychorrhexis

4. Paronychia

The correct answer is: Onychoptosis

The condition where nails shed or fall off is referred to as onychoptosis. This term specifically describes the shedding of the nails, which can occur due to a variety of factors such as trauma, certain medical conditions, or systemic issues. Understanding onychoptosis is important for professionals in cosmetology, as it can impact nail care practices and customer consultations. Onycholysis, on the other hand, describes the separation of the nail from the nail bed, which may not necessarily involve the complete shedding or loss of the nail. Onychorrhexis refers to brittle nails that have longitudinal ridges and may split, but again, this does not imply total nail shedding. Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail, which can lead to swelling and pain but is distinct from the process of nail shedding. Each of these conditions has its own characteristics and implications for treatment and care.