Onychomadesis is a medical term for the separation and shedding of a nail from the nail bed, often following a systemic illness or local trauma. It denotes a stage where the nail plate detaches along the proximal or distal edge, revealing the nail bed beneath. The term is used in dermatology and relates to nail disorders rather than everyday grooming. It can affect fingernails or toenails and may be temporary or permanent depending on underlying causes.
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