Chapter 4: Nail Structure, Disorders, & Diseases

Question 1

Nail folds

Answer 1

Folds of normal skin that surround the nail plate.

Question 2

Proximal nail fold

Answer 2

The entire flap of skin covering the matrix, extending from the edge of the visible nail plate to the first joint of the finger.

Question 3

Matrix

Answer 3

The area where the nail plate cells are formed and extends from under the nail fold at the base of the nail plate.

Question 4

Eponychium

Answer 4

The living skin underneath the proximal nail fold found at the base of the nail plate covering the matrix area.

Question 5

Hyponychium

Answer 5

The slightly thickened layer of skin that lies between the fingertip and the free edge. A protective barrier that prevents microorganisms from invading and infecting the nail bed.

Question 6

Nail disorder

Answer 6

Unhealthy condition of the nail that is either hereditary or caused by an injury or disease of the nail unit.

Question 7

Beau’s lines

Answer 7

Depressions running across the width of the nail plate due to slowing production of matrix cells, which causes the nail plate to grow thinner. Usually caused by serious illness or injury.

Question 8

Eggshell nails

Answer 8

Noticeably thin, white nail plate that is more flexible than normal; usually caused by improper diet, medication, or overfiling.

Question 9

Nail psoriasis

Answer 9

Nail surface pitting, roughness, onycholysis, and bed discolorations either randomly or evenly spaced. Looks as though it has been filed with a coarse abrasive.

Question 10

Onychia

Answer 10

Inflammation of the matrix with shedding of the nail.

Question 11

Plicatured nail

Answer 11

(Folded nail) a highly curved nail plate often caused by injury to the matrix, which may be inherited and can cause ingrown nails.

Question 12

Onycholysis

Answer 12

Separation of the nail plate and bed often due to injury or allergic reactions.

*medical referral required”

Question 13

Onychocryptosis

Answer 13

Ingrown nails.

medical referral needed

Question 14

Onychromadesis

Answer 14

Separation and falling off of the nail plate from the nail bed in either finger nails or toe nails. Causes: infection, injury to the matrix, systemic illness, or medical procedures (chemotherapy)

medical referral required

Question 15

Paronychia

Answer 15

Bacterial inflammation of the tissues around the nail plate, causing pus, swelling, and redness.

medical referral needed