State Board Nail Tech Practice Exam

What is the disorder called where the nail grows into the edge of the nail grooves, causing ingrown nails?

1. Onychomycosis

2. Onycholysis

3. Onychocryptosis

4. Onychoptosis

The correct answer is: Onychocryptosis

The disorder where the nail grows into the edge of the nail grooves, resulting in ingrown nails, is known as onychocryptosis. This condition is characterized by pain, inflammation, and sometimes infection as the nail pushes into the surrounding skin. Onychocryptosis typically occurs in the big toe but can affect other digits as well. Factors contributing to this condition include improper nail trimming, wearing tight footwear, and genetic predisposition. Understanding this disorder is important for nail technicians, as proper care and advice can help clients manage or prevent ingrown nails. In contrast, onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the nail, onycholysis involves the separation of the nail from the nail bed, and onychoptosis is the shedding or falling off of the nails. Each of these conditions affects the nails in different ways, but they are not associated with the growing into the skin that is characteristic of onychocryptosis.