Hyponychium

The hyponychium is the strip of skin under the free edge of the nail – where the nail separates from the nail bed and grows beyond the tip of the toe. Together with the eponychium at the base of the nail, it forms a natural barrier against bacteria and fungi.

Why does it matter?

If the hyponychium is injured or pushed back too far when cleaning under the nail, germs can enter more easily – such as the pathogens of nail fungus. So only clean under the nail carefully and never with sharp objects.