What is a hangnail?

A hangnail is defined as a split or torn piece of living skin around the nail plate. This condition occurs when the tissue surrounding the nail becomes dry, damaged, or irritated, leading to small, jagged pieces of skin that can easily become inflamed or painful. Proper nail care, including moisturization and avoiding aggressive nail manipulation, can help prevent hangnails.

The other options focus on different issues not related to the description of hangnails. Fungal infections pertain to infections caused by fungi, which affect the overall health of the nail rather than the surrounding skin specifically. Nail polish damage refers to various forms of deterioration caused by the use of nail products, but does not directly relate to the skin around the nail. Lastly, conditions affecting nail color typically involve changes in pigmentation or texture of the nail itself rather than the living skin surrounding it. Understanding hangnails helps emphasize the importance of skin care and hygiene around the nail region.