What condition is described as the cuticle splitting around the nail?

The correct answer refers to a condition that specifically involves the area around the nail, where the cuticle splits or tears, leading to discomfort or potential infection. This condition is commonly known as a hang nail. When a hang nail occurs, it typically manifests as a small piece of skin that has separated from the base of the nail, appearing as a splinter of skin that can be painful and is prone to irritation.

Understanding the context of other conditions helps clarify why hang nails are distinct. Onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the nail itself, which does not focus on the cuticle or the skin adjacent to the nail. A paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail, but it usually involves inflammation and redness, which is not defined simply as splitting. Fingernail fungus is another term that generally indicates a fungal infection impacting the nail plate rather than the surrounding skin.

Each of these conditions has its specific characteristics and implications, which is why recognizing a hang nail as a distinct and separate issue is important for proper identification and treatment.