Terminology used on this site.

These definitions are used in the context of this site. The absolute medical definitions for some of these terms apply to other tissues and systems in the body. If you are not clear on a term or its definition below, you may refer to sites like www.medterms.net for further information.

Dermatophyte

The name of the fungus that causes a skin infection, used on this site for a finger or toe nail infection.

Epithelial - (as it relates to the nail bed)

Defined - The thick epitheilial layer of skin beneath the nail is also known as the nail bed.

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Nail Fungus; Nails - fungal infection; Onychomycosis; Infection - fungal - nails

Defined - Infection of nails, () caused by a fungus, commonly Onychomycosis.

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Onychomycosis

Defined - Most common fungal infection of fingernails and toenails

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Keratinize[d] - hardened nail tissue

Defined - Hardening of the skin layer that becomes the nail (keratinized) layer, as it grows.

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Keratolytic [Agents]

Defined - Softening and penetration of hardened layers of skin

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