What is the technical term for bitten nails, caused by a habit of chewing the nails or the surrounding skin?

Prepare for the North Dakota Cosmetology License Exam with practice tests. Covering all necessary cosmetology concepts with flashcards, multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations to enhance your study experience.

The technical term for bitten nails, resulting from the habit of chewing on both the nails and the surrounding skin, is "onychophagy." This condition is associated with nail biting, which can be a behavior stemming from stress, boredom, or other psychological factors. It highlights the way in which personal habits can affect the health and appearance of nails.

The other terms listed refer to different nail conditions. Onychorrhexis denotes ridges or splits in the nail, often linked to systemic disorders or trauma. Onychomycosis describes a fungal infection of the nails, leading to discoloration and thickening. Plicatured nail pertains to a specific nail deformity where the nail plate is curved or folded. Each of these terms describes different issues that can affect nails, but onychophagy is specifically tied to the action of nail biting.

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