What is the skin located beneath the free edge of the nail called?

The skin located beneath the free edge of the nail is known as the hyponychium. This area serves as a protective barrier that helps prevent pathogens from entering the body under the nail. It is important in maintaining nail health by protecting the nail bed from infections and irritants.

The hyponychium connects to the nail plate and is typically softer and more sensitive than surrounding tissues. Understanding the hyponychium's role is essential for nail technicians, as they must ensure proper care and maintenance without causing damage to this sensitive skin during nail services.

In contrast, the perionychium refers to the skin that surrounds the nail, while the cuticle is the layer of dead skin cells located at the base of the nail that overlaps the nail plate. The nail bed is the tissue beneath the nail plate that supports it but does not involve the free edge. Recognizing these distinctions is key for proper nail care and effective communication with clients.