Isla Bennett
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. This can occur with both fingernails and toenails, and can be caused by injury, ill-fitting shoes, aggressive pedicure treatments, or excessive exposure to moisture. The portion of the nail that has separated from the nail bed cannot reattach itself, so the goal is to allow new healthy nail growth, which may take several months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Onycholysis, or nail lifting, is the separation of the fingernail or toenail from the nail bed |
| Causes | Injury to the nail, psoriasis, fungal nail infection, reaction to medication, eczema, thyroid disease, bacterial or yeast infection, ill-fitting shoes, aggressive pedicure treatments, excessive exposure to moisture, pregnancy, lichen planus, some forms of cancer |
| Symptoms | Abnormal border where the nail has separated, irregular shape, white or yellow colour, thickening of the nail plate |
| Treatment | Clip away as much of the detached nail as possible, repeating this weekly. Gently wash the nail and surrounding skin with plain soap or a mild cleanser and water once daily, rinsing carefully, and then drying the area. Keep the nail bed dry. In the case of fingernail lifting, avoid using harsh products on the fingernails that may be causing the nail lifting, such as artificial nails |
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What You'll Learn
Onycholysis
When the nail lifts, it creates a space under the nail that can gather dirt and debris. This can lead to bacterial or yeast infections if water gets under the nail. The portion of the nail that has separated from the nail bed cannot reattach itself, so the goal is to allow new, healthy nail growth, which can take several months. In the meantime, it is important to keep the nail bed dry and clean to prevent infection.
Proximal onycholysis is when the nail starts to lift in the cuticle area and continues up towards the end of the nail. This can be identified by an abnormal border where the nail has separated, which may look irregular in shape. Onychomycosis is a type of onycholysis that often affects only the great toenail and may show separation of the plate from the nail bed, as well as yellowing and thickening of the nail plate.
To manage nail lifting, it is recommended to clip away as much of the detached nail as possible, repeating this weekly. The nail and surrounding skin should be gently washed with plain soap or a mild cleanser and water once daily, rinsing carefully, and then drying the area thoroughly. Wearing rubber gloves while dishwashing or performing other tasks that may expose the nails to moisture can help to keep the nail bed dry. In the case of fingernail lifting, it is important to avoid using harsh products on the nails that may be causing the lifting, such as artificial nails.
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Causes of nail lifting
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. It can occur with both fingernails and toenails and can be caused by a variety of factors.
One of the most common causes of nail lifting is some form of injury or trauma to the nail. This can include repetitive trauma, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, aggressive pedicure treatments, or excessive exposure to moisture. Additionally, certain medical conditions can make individuals more prone to nail lifting, including eczema (including hand dermatitis), psoriasis, lichen planus, thyroid disease, and some forms of infection (bacterial or fungal). Pregnant women are also more likely to experience nail lifting.
Nail lifting creates a space under the nail that can gather dirt and debris. When water gets under the nail, bacteria and yeast can cause the area to become infected. Proximal onycholysis is a specific type of nail lifting that starts in the cuticle area and continues up towards the end of the nail.
To prevent and treat nail lifting, it is important to keep the nail bed dry and clean. This can be done by gently washing the nail and surrounding skin with soap and water daily, and then drying the area thoroughly. In the case of fingernail lifting, it is recommended to avoid using harsh products on the nails, such as artificial nails. For toenail lifting, wearing properly fitting shoes and avoiding aggressive pedicure treatments can help reduce the risk of nail lifting.
If you are experiencing nail lifting, it is important to clip away as much of the detached nail as possible and to encourage new, healthy nail growth. This process can take several months. If the nail lifting is severe or causing pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and treatment options.
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Symptoms of nail lifting
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. It can occur with both fingernails and toenails and can be caused by a number of factors, including injury, ill-fitting shoes, aggressive pedicure treatments, and excessive exposure to moisture. It is also more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, thyroid disease, and some forms of infection.
The symptoms of nail lifting include an abnormal border where the nail has separated, which may look irregular in shape. The nail may also appear white or yellow and can become thick. In addition, nail lifting creates space under the nail that can gather dirt and debris, providing an opportunity for bacteria and yeast to cause infection when water gets under the nail.
Proximal onycholysis is a specific type of nail lifting that starts in the cuticle area and continues up towards the end of the nail. This type of nail lifting can be caused by repetitive trauma, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, injuries to the nail, aggressive pedicure treatments, or excessive exposure to moisture.
If you are experiencing nail lifting, it is important to clip away as much of the detached nail as possible and to keep the nail bed dry. You should also gently wash the nail and surrounding skin with plain soap or a mild cleanser once daily, being sure to rinse and dry the area carefully. In the case of fingernail lifting, it is important to avoid using harsh products on the nails, such as artificial nails, which may be causing the nail lifting.
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Treatment of nail lifting
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is the separation of the fingernail or toenail from the nail bed. It is often caused by some sort of injury to the nail, such as wearing ill-fitting shoes, aggressive pedicure treatments, or excessive exposure to moisture. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, thyroid disease, or bacterial or fungal infections.
It is recommended to clip away as much of the detached nail as possible, repeating this weekly. In the case of toenail lifting, ill-fitting shoes should be avoided to prevent repetitive trauma to the nail.
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Prevention of nail lifting
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. It can be caused by injury, ill-fitting shoes, aggressive pedicure treatments, excessive exposure to moisture, or certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, thyroid disease, bacterial or fungal infections, and rarely, some forms of cancer.
To prevent nail lifting, it is important to keep the nail bed dry. This can be done by wearing rubber gloves when doing dishes or other activities that involve water. If you have toenail lifting, make sure your shoes fit properly and avoid aggressive pedicure treatments.
Additionally, it is important to avoid harsh products on the nails, such as artificial nails, as these can contribute to nail lifting. Keep your nails clean by gently washing them with plain soap or a mild cleanser and water once daily, then carefully rinsing and drying the area.
If you notice that your nails are starting to lift, clip away as much of the detached nail as possible, repeating this weekly. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and yeast, which can cause infection.
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Frequently asked questions
Lifting in nails, or onycholysis, is when the nail separates from the nail bed.
The nail appears to be lifted from the nail bed and may look white or yellow.
Onycholysis can be caused by injury to the nail, psoriasis, fungal nail infection, or a reaction to medication. It is more common in women, pregnant people, and those with certain medical conditions, such as eczema, thyroid disease, or bacterial infections.
If you have onycholysis, it is important to keep the nail bed dry to prevent infection. Clip away any detached nail and wash the area with mild soap and water daily.
