Home :: Nail Disorders :: Onycholysis

Onycholysis Symptoms, Treatment, Cure and Prevention tips

What is Onycholysis?

Onycholysis is the painless separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. The separation occurs gradually and is very painless. This problem is very common and can occur due to various factors, but the most common cause is a fungal nail infection called onychomycosis, trauma and a very rare cause is a photosensitive reaction to drugs such as tetracyclines. Even slight trauma can result in onycholysis when it occurs repetitively - for example, the daily tapping of long fingernails on a keyboard.

Symptoms of Onycholysis

• Onycholysis is first seen by a spontaneous separation of the nail plate starting at the distal free margin and progressing proximally.
• Fungal infections of the nails thicken the tissue immediately underneath the nail plate and result in lifting of the nail edge.
• Greater portion of the nail is opaque.

Causes of Onycholysis

Onycholysis may occur in any person whether he may be a male or a female. But studies have shown that females are are more prone to this condition than males. It can be an infection or skin disease or the result of injury but it is seen more in women especially those having long fingernails. It results from the traumatic effect of having the tips of their finger nails hitting against hard objects.

Some Treatment options and Prevention Tips for Onycholysis

You must take preventive measuer to avoid onycholysis from occuring more frequently. Some of the preventive measures are given below:

• Avoid frequent exposure to harsh chemicals such as nail enamel and nail enamel remover.
• Avoid prolonged imersion of hands in water.
• Wear light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves if you are more prone to water.
• Long fingernails are prone to onycholysis, so you should keep your nails short.
• Clip the affected portion of the nail, and keep the nails short to ensure they endure repeated trauma from tapping everyday.
• Persons suffering from onycholysis, should not wear shoes that squeeze the toes together, and always cut the nails straight across along the top.