What is the term for a fungal infection of the nail plate?

Onychomycosis is indeed the term used for a fungal infection of the nail plate. This condition is characterized by the presence of fungal organisms that invade the nail and the surrounding tissues, leading to various symptoms such as discoloration, thickening, and potential separation of the nail from the nail bed. This infection can affect one or multiple nails and may cause pain or discomfort.

The other terms provided refer to different conditions unrelated to fungal infections of the nails. Pyogenic granuloma refers to a type of benign vascular lesion that can occur on the skin and mucous membranes, often presenting as a reddish bump. Onychophagy is the habit of nail-biting, which can lead to damage but does not specifically indicate a fungal infection. Splinter hemorrhages are tiny black or red lines that appear under the nails and result from small blood vessel damage, often linked to various systemic diseases or physical trauma, rather than being caused by a fungal infection. Understanding these distinctions highlights why onychomycosis is the correct choice for identifying a fungal infection of the nail plate.