What is the medical term for a fungal infection of the nails?

The medical term for a fungal infection of the nails is Onychomycosis. This term specifically refers to any fungal infection that affects the nail unit, including the nail plate, nail bed, and surrounding soft tissue. It is crucial to use the correct terminology when discussing nail infections, as it allows for clearer communication among healthcare professionals and aids in ensuring proper treatment is administered.

While "Tinea unguium" is often used interchangeably with Onychomycosis, it is somewhat outdated and was originally used to specifically refer to dermatophyte infections of the nails. However, Onychomycosis encompasses a broader range of fungal infections, not limited to just dermatophytes, including yeast and mold infections.

"Dermatophyte infection" is a general term that refers to a type of infection caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that can infect the skin, hair, and nails. Not all nail infections are caused by dermatophytes, making this term less specific than Onychomycosis.

"Onycholysis" describes the separation of the nail from the nail bed but does not specifically refer to a fungal infection. It can occur due to various causes, including trauma or psoriasis, rather than being solely associated with