What condition might cause lifting of the nail plate without shedding?

Lifting of the nail plate without shedding is characteristic of onycholysis, a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed. This separation can occur due to various factors, including trauma, infection, or certain systemic conditions, but it does not immediately result in the shedding of the nail. Onycholysis typically features a painless separation and may expose the underlying nail bed to potential infection.

In contrast, onychocryptosis, also known as an ingrown nail, primarily involves the growth of the nail into the surrounding skin and can lead to pain and inflammation rather than lifting. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that usually leads to changes in the color, thickness, and integrity of the nail, often resulting in a more severe degradation. Onychorrhexis refers to longitudinal ridges or splits of the nail, which do not necessarily imply lifting or separation from the nail bed. Therefore, identifying onycholysis as the correct answer underscores the relationship between nail plate separation and its underlying causes.