Final answer:
Another word for tinea unguium is onychomycosis, a fungal infection affecting the nails, which is part of the group of cutaneous mycoses known as tineas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another word for tinea unguium is onychomycosis. This term refers to a fungal infection of the nails, which is part of a group of cutaneous mycoses known as tineas. Tineas are caused by dermatophytes, which are fungal molds requiring keratin for growth, found in skin, hair, and nails. Tineas can manifest in different parts of the body and are accordingly named, such as tinea corporis (ringworm), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea pedis (athlete's foot). Onychomycosis specifically affects the nails and is often treated with various antifungal treatments, including allylamine ointments like terbinafine, and miconazole and clotrimazole for topical treatment. Oral treatments like griseofulvin are also used to combat this nail infection.