What is the common name for onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is commonly referred to as "nail fungus." This term accurately describes the condition, which is characterized by a fungal infection affecting the nails. Fungi can invade the nail bed, leading to various symptoms such as thickening, discoloration, and brittleness of the nails. The term succinctly identifies the cause of the condition, as it’s primarily related to fungal organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments.

Other terms like "nail bed infection," "nail splitting," and "nail discoloration" encompass different aspects of nail-related issues but do not specifically denote onychomycosis. A nail bed infection could occur from various pathogens, not just fungi, while nail splitting refers to structural damage to the nail rather than an infection. Nail discoloration can be a symptom of many conditions, including trauma or other types of infections, but it doesn't singularly define onychomycosis either. Thus, referring to onychomycosis as nail fungus is both precise and widely understood within the context of nail health.