Fungus

Question 1

Mantle

Answer 1

The pocket-like structure that holds and protects the root and mantle.

Question 2

Nail Matrix

Answer 2

The active tissue that generates cells, which harden as they move outward to form the nail plate. Nail growth begins here. It contains lymphs, blood vessels, and nerves.

Question 3

Nail Root

Answer 3

This is attached to the matrix at the base of the nail, under the skin and inside the mantle. Cells are pushed outward from here.

Question 4

Nail Bed

Answer 4

The area of the nail where the nail body rests; nerves and blood vessels that supply nourishment are found here.

Question 5

Nail Plate

Answer 5

The nail body. It is the visible area of the nail from the root to the free edge. Keratinized cells form the nail plate.

Question 6

Lunula

Answer 6

The half-moon shape at the base of the nail, which is the visible part of the matrix and appears lighter.

Question 7

Eponychium

Answer 7

The live tissue at the base of the nail.

Question 8

Cuticle

Answer 8

The overlapping dead tissue that is loose and pliable around the nail.

Question 9

Nail Grooves

Answer 9

The tracks on either side of the nail that the nail moves on as it grows.

Question 10

Side Walls

Answer 10

The folds of skin on either side of the nail grooves.

Question 11

Perionychium

Answer 11

The living tissue that overlies the nail plate on the sides of the nail.

Question 12

Free Edge

Answer 12

The part of the nail that extends beyond the finger or toe and protects the tips of the fingers and toes.

Question 13

Hyponychium

Answer 13

The living tissue underneath the free edge of the palm.`

Question 14

Onychosis

Answer 14

Any disease, disorder or condition of the nail.

Question 15

Etiology

Answer 15

The cause of the disease, disorder or condition of the nail leading to onychosis.

Question 16

6 Signs of Infection

Answer 16

Pain, swelling, redness, local fever, throbbing, pus. Temperature of the skin could indicate poor circulation (cold skin) or infection (hot skin). Texture of skin indicates disease or disorder. Inflammation or redness on skin or nails indicates visible injuries or poor circulation. Length and condition of free edge indicates nail biting or dry and brittle nails.

Question 17

Onychomycosis

Answer 17

Tinea Unguium or ringworm of the nail. A nail disease that causes the nail to become thick and discolored from black to brown or beige to white; can develop white scaly patches with yellow streaks under the nail plate; deformed nail may fall off; must bee diagnosed and treated by a physician. No service may be performed.

Question 18

Tinea Manus

Answer 18

Ringworm of the hand. A nail disease that appears as rings containing tiny blisters, dark pink to reddish in color. Can have dry flakes; can be confused with excess or contact dermatitis; can spread to nails, scalp, feet or body; must be diagnosed and treated by a physician. No service may be performed.

Question 19

Tinea Pedis

Answer 19

Ringworm of the feet or athlete’s foot. A nail disease that causes itching and peeling of the skin on feet; blisters containing colorless fluid form in groups or singly on sores and between toes, leaving sore or itchy skin on one or both feet; must bee diagnosed and treated by a physician. No service may be performed.

Question 20

Paronychia

Answer 20

Felon; inflammation of skin around the nail. A nail disease that causes the nail to become red, swollen, sore, warm to touch. Can lose the nail; must be diagnosed and treated by a physician; healing takes 4 weeks; nail may grow out deformed but can recover shape. No service may be performed.

Question 21

Onychoptosis

Answer 21

Shedding or falling off of nails. If the disease causing the problem is cured, the nail will regrow; may occur on only one or two nails; nail bed will be sensitive and should be protected while nail regrows. No service may be performed on affected nails.

Question 22

Onychia

Answer 22

A nail disease that causes inflammation of the nail matrix, pus formation; red, swollen and tender. Nail may stop growing and plate may detach; nail may not grow back; if it does, it will probably be deformed; must be diagnosed and treated by a physician. No service may be performed.

Question 23

Onychatrophia

Answer 23

A nail disease causing atrophy of nail or wasting away of nail. Nail shrinks in size and may separate from nail bed; if illness-related, may not improve if matrix is damaged; the nail may improve in 3-6 months. No service may be performed on affected nails.

Question 24

Onycholysis

Answer 24

A nail disease that causes loosening or separation of nail. Starts at the free edge and progresses to the lunula; nail doesn’t come off, stays attached at root area; must be diagnosed and treated by a physician. Do not touch. No service may be performed on affected nails.

Question 25

Blue Nails

Answer 25

A nail disorder that causes blue color in skin under nails. Can be corrected if cause is eliminated; common in older people. Manicure with caution.

Question 26

Eggshell Nails

Answer 26

A nail disorder that causes thin, almost see through and transparent nails. Polish to protect.

Question 27

Corrugations

Answer 27

A nail disorder that causes horizontal, wavy ridges across the nail. Easily recognizable; if injury related, it may grow out and disappear; systemic conditions may cause permanent ridges. Lightly bluff and apply a base coat.

Question 28

Kolionychia

Answer 28

A nail disorder that causes nails with a concave shape. Unusual nail shapes; unlikely to disappear. File carefully and polish to protect.

Question 29

Furrows

Answer 29

A nail disorder that causes indented vertical lines down the nail plate. Easily recognizable; may grow out; may be permanent. Lightly buff and apply base coat to protect.

Question 30

Onychogryposis

Answer 30

A nail disorder that causes increased curvature of nails. Increased thickness and curving of the nail that may occur with age or injury to nail; most often occurring in the big toe; physicians may remove if severely deformed or difficult to keep clean. Clean under free edge and file.

Question 31

Onychocryptosis

Answer 31

A nail disorder most commonly known as ingrown nails. If the nail grows into the edge of the nail groove cutting the skin, or becomes deeply imbedded and/or infected, refer client to a physician who will remove the skin or portion of nail causing the problem; it may also occur on the toes if shoes are too tight or if the toenails are filed too deep on the sides. Soften skin and trim nail.

Question 32

Melanonychia

Answer 32

A nail disorder that causes a brown or black darkening of the nail. Increased pigmentation results in darker bands that run the length of the nail; occurs more commonly in people with darker skin color. Make client aware of possible cause; suggest seeing a physician.

Question 33

Onychauxis

Answer 33

Also known as hypertrophy. A nail disorder that causes thickening of the nail plate or an abnormal outgrowth of nail. Easily recognizable, likely to disappear. Lightly buff.

Question 34

Agnails or Hangnails.

Answer 34

A nail condition that causes split cuticles; loose skin partially separated from the cuticle. Skin breaks at corners of nails; can bee trimmed with cuticle nippers and may heal in 2-3 days; can be reoccurring. Trim hangnail and moisturize.

Question 35

Bruised Nails or Splinter Hemorrhages

Answer 35

A nail condition that causes dark purplish discoloration under the nail. Normal nail growth will continue; bruised area will grow out with nail. No pressure on nail plate.

Question 36

Leukonychia

Answer 36

A nail condition that causes white spots appearing in nail. A small separation from the nail bed; grows out with the nail. Perform nail service as usual.

Question 37

Pterygium

Answer 37

A nail condition that causes excess living skin that can remain attached to the nail plate and disrupt normal nail growth. No service may be performed on affected nails.

Question 38

Beau’s Lines

Answer 38

A nail condition that causes indentations similar to horizontal corrugations that run across the nail. Nail returns to normal after the trauma. Make client aware of possible cause, perform nail service as usual.

Question 39

Onychophagy

Answer 39

A nail condition more commonly known as bitten nails. Easily recognizable; if biting stops, nails will regrow; may bee sensitive to touch; nail plate appears flat and may be deformed until an entire nail has regrown from the matrix; can completely recover. Perform nail service weekly.

Question 40

Onychorrhexis

Answer 40

A nail condition that causes split or brittle nails. Easily recognizable; file with emery board carefully; may be a permanent condition. Soften nails well before trimming; moisturizing treatment.