New York State Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 - Free Cosmetology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The condition characterized by the separation of the nail from the nail bed is known as onycholysis. This condition results in the nail lifting or coming away from the underlying nail bed, often leading to a visible gap between the two. Onycholysis can occur for various reasons, including trauma, infections, allergic reactions, or prolonged exposure to water or chemicals.

Understanding why onycholysis stands out as the correct choice involves recognizing the specific nature of this separation. In contrast, onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the nail, which often leads to thickening, discoloration, and brittleness, but not specifically separation from the nail bed. Paronychia is an infection around the nail, typically resulting in redness, swelling, and sometimes pus, without causing separation of the nail. A hangnail is a small piece of torn skin near the base of the nail and does not involve the nail itself separating from the nail bed. This makes onycholysis the apt choice for the described condition.