What is a hangnail?

A hangnail specifically refers to a small piece of dead skin that hangs or is detached from the cuticle, which is the area at the base of the nail. This condition often occurs when the skin around the nail becomes dry or damaged. When a hangnail forms, it can lead to discomfort, and if it is not handled properly, it may become a site for infection due to exposure and potential tearing.

In contrast to the other options: a torn nail typically refers to a nail that has suffered damage or a split, but it does not involve the skin around the nail. Prolonged brittle nails pertain to a condition of the nails themselves rather than the surrounding skin or cuticles. A fungal infection of the nail refers to a specific type of infection affecting the nail bed or the nail itself, which is quite different from the condition identified as a hangnail. Thus, the definition of a hangnail aligns best with the idea of a split cuticle that is particularly susceptible to becoming infected if not treated properly.