West Virginia Cosmetology Board Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is best classified by examining its color, texture, and smell because these attributes provide essential visual and olfactory cues that can help identify the type of fungal infection present. The appearance of the affected nails changes with different types of fungi, and these variations can indicate the specific organism involved. For instance, certain fungi may produce yellow or green discoloration, while others might cause crumbling or thickening of the nail. Additionally, specific types of fungal infections can have distinct smells, which can also aid in classification.

Considering the other options, while a patient’s history might provide information about previous infections or potential risk factors, it does not directly classify the fungus itself. Location on the nail can indicate an area of infection but does not define the type of fungus. Similarly, pain level may reflect the severity of the infection but is not a primary classification method. Thus, the examination of color, texture, and smell is the most effective approach for accurately determining the type of nail fungus.