Barber State Board Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Pterygium is the correct answer because it describes a condition where the cuticle adheres to the nail plate and can extend over the free edge of the nail. This adhesion can lead to irregular nail growth and potential discomfort. The cuticle, which serves as a protective barrier, becomes inflamed and can grow abnormal tissue that encroaches upon the nail plate. In some cases, if left untreated, this can permanently damage the nail or lead to other complications.

Other conditions presented do not accurately represent this specific adhesion scenario. Onychomycosis refers to a fungal infection of the nails, leading to thickening, discoloration, or crumbling of the nail. Paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail, often causing swelling and redness, but it does not specifically involve the cuticle sticking to the nail itself. A hangnail is a small piece of torn skin alongside the nail, typically not involving the cuticle adhering to the nail plate. Understanding these distinctions is essential in identifying pterygium and distinguishing it from other nail-related conditions.