What is a common characteristic of Pterygium?

Pterygium is characterized by the overgrowth of skin at the nail plate, which can lead to an abnormal adherence of the skin to the nail bed. This condition typically results in the skin growing over the nail matrix, which can disrupt normal nail growth and potentially lead to cosmetic and functional issues with the nail. This condition is often associated with inflammation or trauma, and it can be seen in various nail disorders.

Other conditions such as ingrown nails or flaking nails result from different causes and characteristics that do not pertain to the specific growth patterns seen in pterygium. Thickened nail plates may also arise from various factors but do not specifically indicate pterygium. Thus, understanding that the overgrowth of skin at the nail plate is the defining feature of pterygium helps clarify how it affects both the appearance and health of the nails.