Which term describes the thickened skin that can form around a torn cuticle?

The term that describes the thickened skin forming around a torn cuticle is “Agnail.” This condition occurs when the skin surrounding the nail bed becomes damaged or irritated, often due to hangnails, which are small pieces of skin that tear away from the cuticle area. In response to injury or irritation, the skin thickens as a protective mechanism.

Agnails can result in discomfort and may require care to prevent infection or further trauma. While a callus refers to thickened skin that develops in response to friction elsewhere on the body and a corn specifically develops on the toes due to pressure, neither term accurately represents the condition around a cuticle. Hangnails, while related, refer specifically to the torn pieces of skin rather than the thickened skin that can develop as a result.