Which term refers to a condition where the nail plate grows into the skin and becomes buried?

• A. Ingrown nail
• B. Nail avulsion
• C. Nail matrixectomy
• D. Excisional matrixectomy

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is onychocryptosis, commonly known as an ingrown nail. This condition occurs when the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin, usually at the lateral edge, causing a buried, painful edge and often redness or infection. It’s the nail itself invading the soft tissue that defines this problem, not a procedure.

The other terms describe treatments: nail avulsion is the removal of the entire nail plate to relieve symptoms or prepare for further treatment; nail matrixectomy is the destruction of the nail matrix to prevent future nail growth, typically used for recurrent ingrown nails; excisional matrixectomy is a surgical approach that removes part of the matrix along with surrounding tissue to permanently prevent nail regrowth.