What is the process of shedding old nails called?

The process of shedding old nails is known as onychomadesis. This term specifically refers to the separation and shedding of the nail plate from the nail matrix, which ultimately results in the loss of the nail. This condition can occur due to various factors such as trauma, infections, or systemic diseases.

In contrast, onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the nail, which may lead to discoloration and thickening of the nail, but not its shedding. Onycholysis, on the other hand, involves the detachment of the nail from the nail bed, often due to trauma or certain diseases, but does not encompass the entire process of shedding. Nail shedding is a more general term and may not specifically describe the biological process involved. Therefore, onychomadesis is the term that accurately captures the process of the nail's loss in a clinical context.