What is the term for atrophy or wasting away of the nail plate that may result from injury or disease?

The term for atrophy or wasting away of the nail plate due to injury or disease is known as onychatrophia. This condition involves the thinning or loss of the nail plate and is typically associated with various underlying health issues or trauma to the nail. Understanding this term is crucial for recognizing symptoms and conditions related to nail health.

Onychomycosis refers specifically to a fungal infection of the nails, which can lead to discoloration, thickening, or separation of the nail but does not specifically denote the wasting away of the nail plate itself. Onycholysis is the detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed and is caused by a variety of factors such as trauma or infection but does not imply atrophy of the nail. Pterygium is an abnormal growth of skin on the nail bed that can affect nail shape but is not directly related to the atrophy of the nail plate.

Having clarity on these terms is vital for any professional in nail care, as they indicate different conditions that may require various treatments or interventions.