The hyponychium is the skin located just under the free edge of the nail. This area serves as a protective barrier, sealing the nail bed from external contaminants and preventing infections. Its delicate nature makes it susceptible to damage from aggressive manipulation.
Maintaining the integrity of this distal nail seal is crucial for overall nail health. Damage can compromise its protective function, leading to paronychia (infection of the nail fold) or other complications. Historically, aggressive manicuring practices often overlooked the importance of this structure, resulting in preventable nail disorders.
