Onycholysis is the separation of a fingernail or toenail from its nail bed. It is gradual, painless, and usually caused by physical trauma.
Dr Rob Hicks last medically reviewed this article in July 2006.
Onycholysis
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What's the cause?
The most common cause of onycholysis is trauma, but other possible causes include:
- Skin conditions, such as psoriasis or lichen planus
- Medical conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction
- Fungal infections
- Side-effects of medication
- Adverse effects of chemicals, such as nail polish remover
- Prolonged immersion in water
The separation is gradual and does not hurt. The nail may appear whitened or, if there’s an infection, discoloured (commonly yellow or green). The nail may also appear damaged.
Who's affected?
It's not known how many people experience onycholysis, but it can affect people of any age, sex or race. It appears to be more common in adults and in women.
How can I prevent it?
You can reduce your risk of onycholysis by:
- Keeping nails short
- Keeping nails dry (wear rubber gloves in water)
- Avoiding frequent exposure to chemicals such as nail polish remover
What's the treatment?
Treatment usually involves tackling the underlying cause, such as a fungal infection.
Nail changes aren't usually permanent, but they can take many months to resolve, even after treatment.
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