Onycholysis

Onycholysis is a disorder in which the plate of the hand or foot nail detaches from its nail bed. Air and dirt collect under the delaminated nail plate, causing the diseased part of the nail to turn white or yellowish. Onycholysis can affect anyone, regardless of gender and age. During the initial stage of the disease, the nail detaches from the nail bed at the free edge or on the side and turns white. In some cases, due to infection, the nail may become gray, brown, or even black. Onycholysis is slow and usually painless, but it can indicate other, more serious diseases and lead to infection, so its symptoms should not be underestimated.

Causes of onycholysis:

The most common causes of onycholysis include:

• mechanical injuries
• wearing shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable
• Improperly performed manicure or pedicure
• Nail plate infections such as fungal infection
• Systemic diseases, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and many others
• vitamin deficiencies
• Use of certain medications and chemotherapy
• genetic factors.

Types of onycholysis

Based on the location of the disease, onycholysis is divided into onycholysis of the fingernails (OPD) and onycholysis of the toenails (OPS). Considering the cause of the condition, the following types can be distinguished:

• Primary Onycholysis – occurs as a result of mechanical trauma or exposure to chemicals found in manicure and pedicure preparations (gel, acrylic, hybrid polish) and in some nail conditioners (formaldehyde);
• Secondary onycholysis – may manifest in people suffering from systemic diseases. For this reason, monitoring the condition of nails is extremely important – onycholysis may signal that something disturbing is going on in our body;
• Drug-induced Onycholysis – is caused by the use of certain medications – antibiotics, chemotherapy, acne or psoriasis drugs.

Nail detachment from the nail bed – diagnosis

If you notice the first symptoms of onycholysis, see a dermatologist immediately. The disease is easy to diagnose and the physician is usually able to implement treatment at the first visit. In case of infection, the specialist may order a culture. The most important factor in the treatment of the disease is to determine the cause, so during the interview the physician will ask you about the diseases and the drug therapy you are using. Despite the fact that the symptoms of onycholysis are characteristic, you should not diagnose the disease on your own. A visit to an experienced dermatologist is necessary to diagnose the condition and implement optimal treatment.

Treatment methods for nail diseases

If onycholysis occurred due to trauma or improper care, the factors that led to the condition must be eliminated. Your physician may remove the part of the nail that does not adhere to the nail bed and then clean the skin. If an infection has occurred, the dermatologist will prescribe appropriate therapy based on topical and/or oral medications. It is important to choose the right substances that will stimulate the placenta to regenerate and accelerate the growth of a new, healthy nail. During treatment hands and feet should be kept dry and clean. If it is not possible to determine the cause of onycholysis (no trauma, no disease and no medication), the condition may indicate other diseases. In such a case, the dermatologist will implement a treatment for onycholysis, but will refer you to additional examinations and recommend an appointment with other specialists, such as an endocrinologist.

Also check out what laser onychomycosis treatment is all about.

Make an appointment