What skin condition can lead to separation of the nail from the nail bed?

• A. Dermatitis
• B. Psoriasis
• C. Eczema
• D. Acne

Answer: (B)

Psoriasis is the correct answer because it is an autoimmune condition that can significantly affect the nails in various ways. In individuals with psoriatic disease, abnormal growth patterns in skin cells can lead to inflammation, resulting in various nail disorders such as pitting, thickening, and separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. This is caused by inflammation at the nail bed where the nail connects to the skin, disrupting the normal attachment of the nail.

While dermatitis, eczema, and acne can impact the skin and potentially the nails to some extent, they are not primarily associated with the type of nail detachment seen in psoriasis. Dermatitis and eczema are more related to inflammation and irritation of the skin, while acne primarily affects the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, not typically leading to nail separation. Therefore, psoriasis is distinctly recognized for its link to nail separation in addition to the skin lesions it causes.