Noah Sinclair
Onycholysis is the medical term for nail separation, when a nail on your fingers or toes separates from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed). Nails can split horizontally (onychoschizia) or vertically (onychorrhexis) and the way they split can be an important clue as to the cause. Nails split when they're damaged, weak, or brittle, and this can be caused by long-term exposure to moisture, or by picking or biting your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Onycholysis |
| Description | When a nail separates from its nail bed |
| Appearance | Discoloured or featuring a wavy white line |
| Cause | Damage, weakness, or brittleness |
| Cause | Overexposure to moisture |
| Cause | Conditions that affect the skin underneath the nails |
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What You'll Learn
Onycholysis (nail separation)
Nails split when they're damaged, weak, or brittle. Nails can split horizontally (onychoschizia) or vertically (onychorrhexis). Horizontally split nails are usually a sign that there's damage to the proteins that connect the nail layers. Moisture can cause nails to become weak and brittle. Long-term exposure can cause the skin around the nail to soften. The nail itself becomes brittle, making it easier to break, bend, or split. Overexposure to moisture can occur while doing dishes, washing hands, or repeated nail polish use.
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Horizontal nail splits (onychoschizia)
Moisture can cause nails to become weak and brittle, and long-term exposure can cause the skin around the nail to soften. The nail itself becomes brittle, making it easier to break, bend, or split. Overexposure to moisture can occur while doing dishes, washing hands, or through repeated nail polish use.
Nail fungus or, less commonly, psoriasis can also cause nail separation. Onycholysis (nail separation) is when a nail on your fingers or toes separates from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed). It typically only affects one nail and can last for several months or over a year.
If you are experiencing horizontal nail splits, you can cut the nail away as it grows out.
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Vertical nail splits (onychorrhexis)
Vertical nail splits, or onychorrhexis, occur when nails are damaged, weak or brittle. Nails can become weak and brittle due to overexposure to moisture, which can occur when doing dishes, washing hands, or repeatedly using nail polish. Vertical nail splits can also be caused by the habit of picking or biting nails, which is usually a result of anxiety or nervousness.
Onycholysis is another condition that can cause nail separation. It occurs when a nail on your fingers or toes separates from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed). It typically only affects one nail and can last for several months or over a year. Any conditions that affect the skin underneath your nails can eventually cause onycholysis.
Nail fungus or, less commonly, psoriasis can also cause nail separation.
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Nail fungus
When nails split, some of the keratin layers separate from the rest of the layers. This can be caused by damage, weakness, or brittleness. Nails can split horizontally (onychoschizia) or vertically (onychorrhexis). Horizontally split nails are usually a sign that there’s damage to proteins that connect the nail layers. Vertical splits are more likely to be caused by moisture, which can cause nails to become weak and brittle. Long-term exposure to moisture can cause the skin around the nail to soften, making the nail more prone to breaking, bending, or splitting. Onycholysis is another condition that can cause nail separation. It occurs when a nail on your fingers or toes separates from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed). It typically only affects one nail and can last for several months or over a year. Any conditions that affect the skin underneath your nails can eventually cause onycholysis.
The most common symptom of nail fungus is nail discolouration. The nail may turn white, yellow, or brown. Other symptoms include nail thickening, brittleness, and crumbling. In some cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed, a condition known as onycholysis. Nail fungus can also cause pain and discomfort, especially if the infection is severe.
Treatment for nail fungus typically involves the use of topical antifungal medications, such as creams or nail polishes. In more severe cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. It is important to treat nail fungus early to prevent it from spreading to other nails or skin. Keeping your nails clean, dry, and trimmed can also help prevent nail fungus.
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Psoriasis
When nails separate, it is known as onycholysis. This is when a nail on your fingers or toes separates from the skin on which it rests (the nail bed). It typically only affects one nail and can last for several months or over a year.
Nail psoriasis is characterised by changes in nail colour, pitting, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. Nails may become yellow or brown, and the nail plate may lift off the nail bed. This is known as onycholysis, as previously mentioned. Nail psoriasis can also cause the nail to crumble, a condition known as subungual hyperkeratosis.
Nail psoriasis is often associated with psoriatic arthritis, a form of arthritis that causes joint pain and swelling. It can also be a sign of inverse psoriasis, a type of psoriasis that affects the skin folds of the body.
Nail psoriasis is typically treated with topical medications, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and retinoids. In more severe cases, oral or injected medications may be prescribed. It is important to treat nail psoriasis early to prevent permanent nail damage.
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Frequently asked questions
It could be onycholysis, which is when a nail separates from its nail bed.
Your nails may be discoloured or feature a wavy white line.
Any conditions that affect the skin underneath your nails can eventually cause onycholysis.
Your nail will peel away from the nail bed.
It can last for several months or over a year.
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