Ace the NOCTI Cosmetology Test 2026 – Style Your Success Today!

The correct term for a fungal infection in the nails is Onychomycosis. This condition specifically refers to a fungal infection that affects the nail bed and the surrounding structures of the nail, leading to various symptoms including discoloration, thickening of the nail, and possible separation from the nail bed. It is crucial to recognize this term within the context of nail health, especially as fungal infections are common and can pose challenges in both treatment and prevention within cosmetology practices.

Onychocryptosis refers to an ingrown toenail, which is a different issue where the nail grows into the skin, causing pain and inflammation. Onychophagy is the term for nail-biting, a behavioral condition unrelated to fungal infections. Paronychia describes an infection of the skin around the nails, which can be bacterial or fungal but does not directly refer to the fungal infection of the nail itself. Understanding these distinctions helps in providing better care and advising clients about nail health and hygiene.