What is the term for the separation and falling off of a nail plate from the nail bed?

The correct term for the separation and falling off of a nail plate from the nail bed is onycholysis. This condition is characterized by the detachment of the nail plate, which can be caused by various factors including trauma, infections, or underlying medical conditions. Onycholysis specifically refers to the loosening and lifting of the nail plate from the nail bed, often leading to discoloration and possible discomfort, depending on the severity.

Onychomycosis refers to a fungal nail infection that affects the appearance and integrity of the nails but does not describe the detachment process. Onychomadesis, on the other hand, involves the shedding of a nail due to the stoppage of nail growth, often due to illness or injury, but it does not specifically refer to the separation process. Onychorrhexis describes brittle nails that have split or fragmented but does not pertain to the falling off of the nail plate. Understanding these terms is crucial in the field of cosmetology, especially when diagnosing and treating nail conditions.