
Have you noticed that your nails are lifting? This is a common problem that often only affects one nail, but it could be a sign of a health issue. If you see it happening to all of your nails, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism or an iron deficiency. While it's usually not something to worry about, it can be a nuisance as there is no surefire way to get rid of it until a new nail grows in its place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Onycholysis |
| Cause | Injury to the nail bed, fungal infection, wearing nail polish too long, using too much nail polish remover, diabetes, iron deficiency, hyperthyroidism |
| Treatment | If caused by injury, be patient and let the nail grow out on its own. If caused by a fungal infection, clean nails and avoid putting them in your mouth |
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What You'll Learn

Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is usually not something to worry about
However, if you see it happening to all of your nails, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism or an iron deficiency, so be sure to speak with your doctor right away. Wearing nail polish for too long can cause some white spots on your nails, while using too much nail polish remover can make your nails brittle. Some polishes, as well as issues like diabetes, can leave nails looking yellow, and an iron deficiency can cause nails to thin out and curve.
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It can be caused by an injury to the nail bed
If your nails are lifting, it could be caused by an injury to the nail bed. This is referred to as onycholysis, which is when the nail separates from the skin. Onycholysis usually only affects one nail, but if it happens to all of your nails, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism or an iron deficiency. If the cause is an injury to the nail bed, there is not much you can do besides be patient and let the broken nail grow out on its own. You can cut the nail when needed, and a new, healthy nail will eventually grow back in its place.
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It can be caused by a fungal infection
If your nails are lifting, it could be a condition known as onycholysis. While this is usually not something to worry about, it can be caused by a fungal infection. If this is the case, it's important to make sure the fungus doesn't spread. Clean your nails regularly and avoid putting them in your mouth. You should also be aware that nail lifting can be a sign of hyperthyroidism or an iron deficiency, so if it's affecting all of your nails, it's best to speak to your doctor.
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It can be caused by wearing nail polish for too long
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is when a nail separates from the skin. It often only affects one nail, but if it happens to all of your nails, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism or an iron deficiency.
Wearing nail polish for too long can cause some white spots on your nails, while using too much nail polish remover can make your nails brittle. Some polishes can also leave your nails looking yellow. If you let your nails breathe from polish or manicures for a bit, you may start to notice that they don't look too great.
If the cause of nail lifting is an injury to the nail bed, the only thing you can do is be patient and let the broken nail grow out on its own, cutting it when needed. A new, healthy nail will eventually grow back in its place. If the cause is fungal, there is a bit more work involved. You first want to ensure the fungus doesn't spread anywhere else, so be sure to clean your nails and avoid putting them in your mouth.
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It can be a sign of an iron deficiency
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is when a nail separates from the skin. While it usually only affects one nail, if it happens to all of your nails, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism or an iron deficiency. If you notice this, it's important to speak to your doctor.
An iron deficiency can cause nails to thin out and curve. This can be caused by wearing nail polish for too long, which can also cause white spots on nails. Using too much nail polish remover can also make nails brittle.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this is referred to as onycholysis. While it is usually not something to worry about, it can be a nuisance as there is no surefire way to get rid of it until a new nail grows in its place.
Nail lifting can be caused by an injury to the nail bed, or a fungal infection. It can also be caused by wearing nail polish for too long, using too much nail polish remover, or by certain health issues such as diabetes or an iron deficiency.
If the cause is an injury to the nail bed, the only thing you can do is be patient and let the broken nail grow out on its own, cutting it when needed. If the cause is fungal, it is important to ensure the fungus doesn't spread by keeping your nails clean and avoiding putting them in your mouth. If you see it happening to all of your nails, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism or an iron deficiency, so be sure to speak with your doctor right away.











































