Which nail condition involves the separation of the nail from the nail bed?

The condition characterized by the separation of the nail from the nail bed is known as onycholysis. This can occur for various reasons, including trauma, infections, or underlying health conditions. In onycholysis, the involved nail typically becomes loose and may raise away from the nail bed, which can create a space between the nail and the skin beneath it.

Understanding onycholysis is important for manicurists because it may affect how they perform nail services. Ensuring the health of the client's nails and recognizing any abnormalities can help prevent further damage or complications.

The other listed conditions differ significantly in their manifestations: onychophagy refers to nail biting, which does not involve separation from the nail bed; agnails, or hangnails, are small pieces of skin that hang around the nail but are not related to the nail bed; and tinea refers to a fungal infection that can affect the skin and nails, but it does not specifically describe the separation of the nail from the nail bed.