Onycholysis is when your fingernail or toenail separates from the nail bed underneath. It’s a relatively common condition that can happen as a result of an injury, an infection, or even an underlying medical problem.
If you’re concerned about nail separation, you’re probably searching for “onychosis pictures fingernails” to see if your nails look like the pictures online, and understanding nail disorder ICD-10 codes may be helpful for medical contexts. This article will help you understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for onycholysis, and when you should see a doctor.
What causes onycholysis?
Onycholysis can have many causes. Some of the most common include trauma, certain medical conditions, infections, and medications. Here’s a closer look:
Trauma and injury
Physical trauma to your nail is a primary cause of onycholysis. Stubbing your toe or even repetitive minor trauma, like wearing shoes that are too tight, can lead to nail separation.
Manicures and artificial nails can also contribute. Harsh nail products like nail polish remover and the glue used for artificial nails can increase your risk.
Medical conditions
Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and lichen planus are often associated with nail lifting. Systemic diseases, such as thyroid disease, can also play a role.
Infections and medications
Fungal and bacterial infections can cause nail separation and discoloration, potentially raising concerns about issues like fingernail fungus. Also, certain medications, including oral contraceptives, chemotherapy drugs, and retinoids, have been linked to onycholysis.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Onycholysis is pretty easy to spot. The most obvious sign is that your fingernail is separating from the nail bed, creating a gap you can see.
You might also notice some color changes in the separated part of the nail. It could turn white, yellow, or even green, depending on what’s causing the problem.
Usually, onycholysis doesn’t hurt. But the exposed nail bed underneath can be sensitive or even painful, especially if it gets infected. If you’re experiencing pain or suspect an infection, definitely see a doctor.
Self-care and home remedies for onycholysis
If you have onycholysis, these self-care tips and home remedies may help.
Proper nail care
- Trim the detached portion of the nail. Use nail clippers to trim the separated portion of the nail once a week to prevent it from catching on things and tearing further.
- Keep the area clean and dry. Wash the nail and surrounding skin gently every day with a mild soap.
- Protect from further damage. Apply an adhesive bandage to protect the lifted nail.
Avoiding irritants
- Limit exposure to harsh chemicals. Stay away from artificial nails and strong nail polish removers.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Choose shoes that fit well to protect your toenails from injury.
If these self-care and home remedies don’t seem to be working, a doctor or dermatologist can help with a treatment plan.
When to seek professional medical advice
It’s important to figure out what’s causing your nail to separate from the nail bed. If you don’t know why it’s happening, or if you think it might be related to a medical condition, you should see a doctor.
Definitely get medical help if you see signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or pus. You’ll also want to talk to a doctor if you’ve tried to treat the onycholysis yourself and it’s not getting better.
Your doctor can do tests to figure out the cause of the problem and might prescribe medicine to help, either a cream you put on your nail or a pill you take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will onycholysis heal on its own?
Yes, onycholysis can sometimes heal on its own, but it requires patience. The affected portion of the nail won’t reattach, so you need to wait for a healthy nail to grow out and replace the detached part. This process can take several months, especially for toenails.
What do iron deficiency nails look like?
Iron deficiency can manifest in various nail changes. Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails) is a classic sign, where the nails become thin and concave. Other indications include pale nail beds, brittle nails, and longitudinal ridges.
What cancers cause onycholysis?
While onycholysis is rarely directly caused by cancer, certain cancers and their treatments can contribute to nail changes, including onycholysis. Chemotherapy, in particular, can affect nail growth and structure. Subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer under the nail, can also cause nail separation, but this is less common. Always consult with a doctor if you suspect any unusual nail changes.
How do you get rid of onycholysis fast?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic bullet to get rid of onycholysis fast. The key is to identify and address the underlying cause, protect the affected nail from further trauma or infection, and allow the healthy nail to grow out. Trimming the detached portion of the nail can also prevent it from catching and causing further separation.
What vitamin deficiency causes onycholysis?
While not always the primary cause, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to onycholysis. These include iron, zinc, and biotin. Ensuring a balanced diet or taking supplements (after consulting with a doctor) can sometimes improve nail health and promote healing.
To Conclude
Onycholysis is a fairly common condition that causes your nail to separate from the nail bed, and it’s important to be aware if the free edge of the nail is growing down. It can be caused by an injury, infection, or other medical problem.
You can take care of your nails at home, but it’s important to see a doctor to figure out what’s causing the problem and how to treat it.
Keeping your nails clean and protected from injury is the best way to prevent onycholysis and keep your nails healthy.