What are lateral nail folds commonly referred to as?

Lateral nail folds are commonly referred to as nail sidewalls because they are the areas of skin located on either side of the nail plate. This terminology helps differentiate the sidewalls from other structures around the nail. The nail sidewalls play an important role in protecting the nail and surrounding tissues from infections and injuries.

While the other terms refer to different anatomical structures associated with the nail, they do not specifically describe the lateral folds. Nail cuticles refer to the tissue that overlaps the nail plate at the base, acting as a barrier. Nail beds are the area beneath the nail plate where the nail grows, while nail matrices are the tissue located under the base of the nail that produces new nail cells. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for nail care professionals, as each component plays a distinct role in nail health and aesthetics.