What does onychoptosis refer to?

Onychoptosis specifically refers to the shedding or falling off of nails, making the choice of falling off of nails the correct answer. This condition can occur due to various factors, including trauma, infection, or fungal conditions. Understanding this term is essential for identifying and addressing nail health issues in cosmetology, as it helps practitioners to recognize signs of distress or damage to the nails and take appropriate action.

The other terms describe different nail conditions: shedding nails refers more broadly to the process of nails coming off, while thickening of the nail pertains to a different issue altogether, often linked to health problems. Ingrown nails describe a condition where the edges of the nail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort or infection. Each term emphasizes a different aspect of nail health, but onychoptosis is specifically about the loss of nails.