What term describes an ingrown nail?

The term that describes an ingrown nail is Onychoryptosis. This condition occurs when the edges of the toenail or fingernail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes infection. It is commonly seen in the toenails but can also occur in fingernails. The term itself is derived from Greek roots: “onycho” meaning nail, and “cryptosis” meaning hidden or buried, which accurately reflects the condition where the nail grows into the skin rather than over it.

In contrast, pyogenic granuloma refers to a type of growth that occurs as a response to injury or irritation, characterized by a red, vascular lesion. A hangnail is a small piece of skin that tears near the nail, causing discomfort but is not related to nail growth itself. Onychophagy refers to the habit of nail biting and is also unrelated to the structure of the nail or its growth process. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why Onychoryptosis is the appropriate term for an ingrown nail.