What is the term for the skin that surrounds, touches, and overlaps the nail?

The term for the skin that surrounds, touches, and overlaps the nail is known as the perionychium. This anatomical feature plays a vital role in protecting the nail bed and the growing nail matrix beneath it. The perionychium includes both the proximal fold of skin at the base of the nail (often referred to as the cuticle) and the lateral skin folds that are present on either side of the nail.

Understanding this term is crucial for nail technicians, as proper care of the perionychium is essential for nail health and for preventing infections. The perionychium is a significant part of the overall structure since it provides a protective barrier and helps to support the nail as it grows. This distinguishes it from the cuticle, which specifically refers to the thin layer of dead skin that lies at the base of the nail plate, while the hyponychium is the skin located underneath the free edge of the nail, and the matrix is where nail growth occurs.