Which condition is commonly caused by overly dry skin around the nails?

• A. Nail fungus
• B. Hangnails
• C. Onycholysis
• D. Subungual hematoma

Answer: (B)

Hangnails are a common condition caused by excessively dry skin around the nails. This occurs when the cuticle or the skin surrounding the nail becomes dehydrated, leading to cracks and tears. When the skin is dry, it is more prone to splitting, which results in hangnails. This condition can be painful and may become irritated or infected if not properly managed.

In contrast, other conditions listed, such as nail fungus, are not directly related to dry skin but rather involve fungal infections that thrive in moist environments. Onycholysis refers to the separation of the nail from the nail bed, which can be associated with various factors including trauma, but not primarily with dry skin. Subungual hematoma results from bleeding under the nail bed typically caused by trauma and is not related to skin dryness. Therefore, the link between hangnails and dry skin makes it the correct choice.