What does onychia refer to?

Onychia refers to the inflammation of the nail matrix, which is the tissue located beneath the base of the nail. When this area becomes inflamed, it can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain around the nail. This condition can be caused by infections, trauma, or other irritants that affect the nail matrix. Understanding onychia is important for professionals in cosmetology, as they may encounter clients with this condition and need to know how to address it appropriately to maintain nail health.

The other terms represent different nail conditions: curvature refers to an abnormal bending of the nail, separation describes the detachment of the nail from the nail bed, and thickening refers to an increase in the thickness of the nail itself. Each of these conditions involves different aspects and implications for nail care and treatment.