A thickening of the nail plate or an abnormal outgrowth of the nail is referred to as?

The term that describes a thickening of the nail plate or an abnormal outgrowth of the nail is called onychauxis. This condition can result from various factors, including trauma, fungal infections, and systemic diseases. Identifying onychauxis is important for proper diagnosis and treatment, as it indicates that the nail's normal structure has been altered.

In contrast, onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the nail, which may lead to discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed, but it is not specifically focused on the thickening itself. Onycholysis involves the separation of the nail from the nail bed, typically caused by trauma or infection, and pterygium indicates a condition where there is an abnormal growth of skin extending over the nail plate, not merely a thickening of the nail itself. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective nail care and treatment within the scope of cosmetology.