If a nail is lost due to disease or infection, the regrown nail typically appears how?

• A. Distorted
• B. Normal
• C. Shorter
• D. No regrowth

Answer: (A)

When a nail is lost due to disease or infection, the regrown nail is typically distorted because the nail matrix—the tissue that creates the nail plate—has been damaged. The new nail reflects whatever changes occurred in the matrix, so it often grows in with irregular edges, uneven thickness, or abnormal curvature. If the matrix heals well, regrowth can look normal, but if the matrix is scarred or destroyed, regrowth may be deformed or absent. In the common scenario after infection or disease, distortion is the most likely outcome.