ONYCHORRHEXIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Onychorrhexis is a medical term used to describe a condition characterized by the brittle and fragile nature of the nails, resulting in their tendency to split or break easily. This condition mainly affects the fingernails, although it can also affect the toenails.
Individuals with onychorrhexis often experience nail weakness and thinning, making the nails appear translucent and prone to various abnormalities. Nails affected by onychorrhexis may have longitudinal ridges, furrows, or small cracks that extend from the nail bed towards the nail tip. The nails can split horizontally or vertically, causing pain and discomfort.
Several factors contribute to the development of onychorrhexis, including nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, excessive hand washing or exposure to harsh chemicals, and underlying health conditions such as hypothyroidism or psoriasis. Onychorrhexis can also be associated with aging, as the nails tend to lose moisture and become more brittle over time.
Treatment for onychorrhexis aims to improve the strength and integrity of the nails. This may involve adopting healthy nail care practices, such as keeping the nails trimmed and moisturized, avoiding excessive exposure to water or harsh chemicals, and using protective gloves when undertaking activities that could damage the nails. Additionally, addressing any underlying nutritional deficiencies or medical conditions may also help alleviate the symptoms of onychorrhexis.
Consulting with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist is recommended for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for onychorrhexis.
-
Abnormal brittleness of the nails with splitting of the free edge.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ONYCHORRHEXIS
- inychorrhexis
- knychorrhexis
- lnychorrhexis
- pnychorrhexis
- 0nychorrhexis
- 9nychorrhexis
- obychorrhexis
- omychorrhexis
- ojychorrhexis
- ohychorrhexis
- ontchorrhexis
- ongchorrhexis
- onhchorrhexis
- onuchorrhexis
- on7chorrhexis
- on6chorrhexis
- onyxhorrhexis
- onyvhorrhexis
- onyfhorrhexis
- onydhorrhexis
Etymology of ONYCHORRHEXIS
The word "onychorrhexis" is derived from two Greek roots: "onycho" meaning "nail" and "rhexis" meaning "rupture" or "breaking". In medical terminology, "onychorrhexis" specifically refers to the condition of brittle or easily breakable nails.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
