Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect both your toenails and fingernails. You may suspect you have a nail fungus if you notice that your nails are discolored, thickened, or otherwise changed.
Sometimes, nail fungus can cause onycholysis, which is when the nail starts to lift away from the nail bed. While nail lifting can happen for many reasons, it’s often related to a fungal infection.
This article provides information about nail fungus lifting from nail bed, including what causes it, what the symptoms are, and how it can be managed.
Why does nail fungus cause nails to lift?
Nail fungus can lead to a number of frustrating symptoms, including lifting of the nail from the nail bed. Here’s why that happens:
Direct fungal infection
A fungal infection weakens the structure of your nail. The fungus eats away at the keratin that makes up the nail, causing it to become brittle and prone to separating from the nail bed.
Even a small bump or injury can cause lifting if the nail is already weakened by fungus.
Inflammatory response
Your body’s reaction to a fungal infection can also lead to nail lifting. Inflammation around the nail bed can disrupt the connection between the nail and the skin beneath it.
If the inflammation lasts for a long time, it can damage the nail matrix, which affects how the nail grows and how well it sticks to the nail bed; this damage may require specific care to fix the damaged toenail bed.
Secondary infections
Sometimes, bacterial infections can join in the fun! If your nail has already started to lift because of fungus, bacteria can sneak in and cause even more damage to the nail bed.
When you have both fungal and bacterial infections, the chances of your nail lifting increase significantly.
Identifying Nail Fungus-Related Nail Lifting: Signs and Symptoms
So, how do you know if your lifting nail is caused by fungus? Here are some telltale signs:
- Discoloration: The nail might turn yellow, white, or brown, usually starting at the edge.
- Thickening and Brittleness: The nail gets thicker and harder to cut, and it becomes more brittle.
- Separation of the Nail Plate: You’ll see a gap forming as the nail starts to pull away from the nail bed.
- Debris Accumulation: You might notice white or yellowish gunk building up under the nail.
- Foul Odor: Sometimes, there’s a bad smell, which could mean a bacterial infection has joined the party.
Treating nail fungus to prevent nail lifting
When toenail fungus causes the nail to lift from the nail bed, it’s time to think about treatment options.
Topical antifungal medications
You can apply topical treatments like ciclopirox or efinaconazole directly to the affected nail; some people also consider alternative treatments like emu oil for nail fungus. However, these treatments might not work as well for severe infections because they have a hard time penetrating thick nails. They’re better suited for mild to moderate cases.
Oral antifungal medications
For severe fungal infections, oral medications like terbinafine or itraconazole can be more effective because they work from the inside out. However, oral antifungals can have side effects, so a healthcare professional needs to monitor you when you’re taking them.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a newer treatment option that can target and kill the fungus without harming the surrounding tissue. You’ll likely need multiple sessions to get the best results.
Surgical nail removal
In severe cases, the only option may be to remove the affected nail. This allows you to apply antifungal medication directly to the nail bed. A new, healthy nail will eventually grow back, but it can take several months.
Self-care and prevention
If you think you have nail fungus and your nail is lifting, here’s what you should do:
- Keep your nails short and trimmed. This will help prevent more separation and keeps you from injuring the nail.
- Wash your feet every day. Use soap and water, and dry them well — especially between your toes.
- Wear socks and shoes that breathe. Stay away from tight shoes and socks, because they’ll trap moisture.
- Don’t share nail clippers or files. You can spread a fungal infection this way.
- Try antifungal powder or spray. Put it in your shoes and socks to keep from getting reinfected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can nail fungus cause nail to lift?
Absolutely. Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, can definitely cause the nail to lift from the nail bed (onycholysis). The fungus feeds on the keratin in the nail, weakening its structure and causing it to detach. This separation can create a space where more debris and infection can accumulate.
Will toenail reattach to nail bed after fungus?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. If the fungal infection is treated effectively and the underlying nail bed is healthy, a new, healthy nail can grow and reattach. However, if the nail bed is damaged or the infection is severe, the nail might not fully reattach, leading to permanent changes in nail appearance.
What kills toenail fungus permanently?
Complete eradication of toenail fungus can be challenging. Prescription oral antifungal medications are generally the most effective, but they come with potential side effects. Topical antifungal treatments, laser therapy, and sometimes even surgical removal of the nail are other options. The best approach depends on the severity of the infection and your overall health. Consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What happens if you have nail fungus for too long?
Leaving nail fungus untreated for an extended period can lead to several issues. The infection can worsen, causing more pain, thickening, and discoloration of the nail. It can also spread to other nails or even to the skin. In severe cases, it can interfere with walking or other activities. Plus, it becomes harder to treat the longer it persists.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
While Vicks VapoRub isn’t a proven antifungal treatment, some people find it helpful for managing nail fungus symptoms. It contains ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which might have some antifungal properties and can help soften the nail, making it easier to trim. However, it’s unlikely to cure the infection completely and should be used with caution.
To Conclude
If you’ve tried treating nail fungus at home and your symptoms aren’t getting better, or are getting worse, it’s time to see a doctor.
Watch for signs of a bacterial infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus around the nail. These may require antibiotics.
People with diabetes or weakened immune systems should get medical attention for nail fungus right away.
A healthcare provider can figure out exactly why your nail is lifting and recommend the right treatment for you. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re concerned about your nail health.