The detachment of the nails, both on the hands and on the feet, is something that happens to most of us throughout our lives. Maybe it was a blow, the rubbing of the shoes or a bad manicure. Although in principle it should not be too worrying, onycholysis is a condition that can become the symptoms of a larger problem.
If you have recently lost a nail, and you can not find a possible cause, then you will find everything related to this disease. It is important to identify it in time to make medical decisions as soon as possible.
Why does onycholysis appear?
When a person has onycholysis, the nail separates from the nail groove underneath. Nail plate separation can occur for various reasons, but the most common cause is onychomycosis (a fungal infection of the nails). It can also be noticed when changing the color of the nail. Some of the possible colors are white, gray, yellow, green, and purple. These will depend on the cause for which it originates.
This condition is not initially painful, but the underlying cause may cause pain. The most common cases of onycholysis are:
- D istal : separation of the nail plate that begins at the far edge of the nail and continues towards the cuticle (most common).
- Pr oximal: separation begins at the cuticle area and continues up the nail.
Separation can be a sign of many different nail trauma or conditions. Here are the most common causes.
Fungal infection
The space under the nails can become infected with yeast, causing the loose part of the nail to turn a white or yellow color. In a fungal infection it is necessary to perform several special tests to treat it properly. If left untreated, it can cause pain, discomfort, and even permanent finger disfigurement.
However, the prescription drugs needed to treat yeast infections are expensive and can have side effects, so be sure to speak with a specialist.
Nail psoriasis
Nail psoriasis can look a lot like a fungal infection of the nail, making it difficult for the dermatologist to tell the conditions apart unless a nail biopsy is performed. The most effective treatments for onycholysis caused by psoriasis are a class of drugs called biologics, drugs that are most commonly given by injection.
Other infections
Generally, if the infection under the nail has a greenish color, it is a bacterial infection to blame. One of the most common infections is pseudomonas , which occurs most often in people who spend a lot of time with their hands in water, such as waitresses, bartenders, or nurses. Pseudomonas causes a blue-green or black discoloration on the nail plate and causes it to lift up and separate from the nail bed. If the infection is severe, an oral antibiotic may be prescribed.
Trauma or injury
This condition normally occurs only in one nail when there is trauma to a specific area and it should heal on its own over time. The usual thing is to suffer this type of injury in these enclaves:
- Long nails: long nails have sometimes causes an act fingernail as a lever, pushing the nail skin and preventing healing.
- Local irritation : may be due to excessive nail filing, overexposure to chemicals in manicures or nail tip application, allergic reactions to nail hardeners. Even also by adhesives used to adhere false nails, or simply spending too much time with your hands submerged in water.
The best treatments for onycholysis
As you have seen, knowing the cause of this problem is essential. Once the cause is found, treating the problem will help resolve the nail lift.
Although it is important to keep nails short, an aggressive or close-to-skin cut is not recommended. As the affected part of the nail grows, you can cut the raised nail so that the new nail continues to grow.
Treat the disease that causes it
The cause of the nail separation should be treated before symptoms start to appear. It may seem unnecessary to go to a doctor for a nail problem, but it is not. Onycholysis, especially if it appears on a regular basis, may need a diagnosis and a prescribed medication.
This nail problem is not uncommon to see as a symptom of psoriasis . The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Association believes that at least 50 percent of people with psoriasis experience problems with their nails. Treating psoriasis in this part of the body can be difficult. Doctors may prescribe topical vitamin D or corticosteroids to treat nail psoriasis.
A blood test can reveal if you have a thyroid condition or vitamin deficiency that causes the disease. In either case, see a doctor so they can prescribe medication or an oral supplement to treat the underlying cause.
Home remedies
If it turns out to be nothing serious, you may want to try treating it at home. Avoid cleaning under the nail, as that could make the problem worse or drag bacteria deep into the finger.
Science says that tea tree oil can help treat fungal and yeast infections that occur under the nail. A mixture of tea tree oil diluted with a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil or coconut oil, should be applied in the case of wanting to eliminate the fungus. While it finishes curing, be sure to keep your nail dry.
Can nail loss be prevented?
This nail problem can be the result of too much sensitivity of the skin, especially to products such as glue, acrylics, or acetone that are used during manicures and pedicures. If you suffer from skin allergies to these products, avoid going to these beauty centers. It is best to buy allergen-free products and do your manicure at home.
You should also be aware that elongated false nails applied to the natural nail can cause trauma to the nail bed. And as a result: onycholysis.
In the case of having a fungal or yeast growth that causes this condition, you can prevent it from spreading by taking proper care of your nails. Do not s bite them , as this will spread the problem of one another and possibly affect your mouth. If onycholysis occurs on the toenails, be sure to wear clean socks and expose your feet to the air for as much of the day as possible.
However, prevention is not always possible. Other tips to fight its appearance are:
- Don’t wear hot, humid shoes for long periods of time, like sneakers.
- Wear appropriate gloves and footwear when exercising or doing manual work.
- Control psoriasis with therapies and medications.
- Eat a balanced diet and supplement with vitamin D or iron if necessary.
- Check for any thyroid conditions.
