Onychoptosis is a medical term used to describe nail shedding or loss, which can be caused by various factors including fungal infections, autoimmune disorders, or trauma. The spelling of onychoptosis is derived from Greek roots, with "onycho" meaning nail and "ptosis" meaning falling, dropping or shedding. In IPA phonetic transcription, onychoptosis is pronounced as /ˌɒnɪkəʊˈtəʊsɪs/, with stress placed on the second syllable. Medical professionals, especially dermatologists, may encounter this term when diagnosing and treating patients with nail disorders.
Onychoptosis refers to a medical condition characterized by the abnormal shedding or detachment of nails from their nail beds. It is a term derived from the Greek words "onycho" meaning "nail" and "ptosis" meaning "falling."
The condition can affect both fingernails and toenails and is often associated with underlying health issues. Onychoptosis may occur as a result of various factors such as trauma, infection, systemic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, or as a side effect of certain medications.
Symptoms of onychoptosis can include progressive nail loosening, separation from the nail bed, nail discoloration, brittleness, deformities, or complete nail loss. Individuals with onychoptosis may also experience pain, discomfort, or even inflammation in the affected area.
Treatment of onychoptosis depends on the underlying cause. In cases where the condition is caused by trauma or infection, proper wound care and treatment of the underlying infection may promote healthy nail regrowth. For systemic conditions or nutritional deficiencies, addressing the main health issue and providing appropriate supplementation may be necessary. In some situations, surgical interventions or nail avulsion procedures may be considered to alleviate symptoms or promote healthy nail growth.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if experiencing onychoptosis, as they can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Falling off of the nails.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "onychoptosis" is derived from two Greek roots: "onyx" meaning "nail" and "ptosis" meaning "falling". Therefore, "onychoptosis" is a medical term used to describe the condition of a nail (usually the toenail) falling off.