Onycholysis is defined as what?

Onycholysis refers specifically to the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. This condition can occur for various reasons, including trauma, infections, or underlying health conditions. In this context, the nail plate becomes detached from the area of skin beneath it, leading to visible changes in the appearance of the nail. The other options describe different nail conditions: inflammation of the nail matrix pertains to a different issue involving the growth area of the nail, a fungal infection involves a pathogenic organism affecting the nail structure, and severe inflammation of the nail would denote swelling and pain rather than separation. Understanding onycholysis is crucial for nail technicians as it helps in recognizing nail health issues that clients might present.