Caleb Foster
Lifting nails, also known as onycholysis, is a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed. This can occur with both fingernails and toenails and can be caused by injury, psoriasis, fungal nail infection, or a reaction to medication. It is more common in women than men, and pregnant people are also more likely to experience it. While most cases of nail lifting are not serious, it is important to seek treatment to prevent infection and promote healthy nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | 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, bacterial infection, medication, thyroid disease, eczema, lichen planus, pregnancy, some forms of cancer. |
| Symptoms | Nails appear white or yellow, space under the nail that gathers dirt and debris, 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. |
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What You'll Learn
Onycholysis
Lifting nails is most often caused by some sort of injury to the nail. This condition is called onycholysis, which 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, including psoriasis, fungal nail infection, or a reaction to medication. It is more common in women than in men and is also prevalent in pregnant individuals and those with certain medical conditions such as eczema, thyroid disease, and some forms of infection or, rarely, cancer.
There are two types of onycholysis: distal onycholysis and proximal onycholysis. Distal onycholysis occurs when the nail begins to separate at the edge and moves down towards the cuticle, while proximal onycholysis starts in the cuticle area and continues up towards the end of the nail.
To manage onycholysis, 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 daily with plain soap or a mild cleanser and water, ensuring careful rinsing and drying of the area. Keeping the nail bed dry is important, and this can be achieved by wearing rubber gloves during activities such as dishwashing. If onycholysis affects the fingernails, it is advisable to avoid using harsh products or artificial nails, as these may contribute to the condition.
While most cases of nail lifting do not lead to serious complications, it is still recommended to consult a podiatrist to ensure proper treatment and management.
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Causes of nail lifting
Nail lifting, or onycholysis, is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. This creates a space under the nail that can gather dirt and debris, which can lead to bacterial and yeast infections when water gets under the nail.
Nail lifting is most often caused by some sort of injury to 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 may take several months. Nail lifting may affect people of any age, although women are affected more frequently than men. Nail lifting is also common in people who are pregnant or have certain medical conditions, such as eczema (including hand dermatitis), psoriasis, lichen planus, thyroid disease, bacterial or fungal infections, and rarely, some forms of cancer.
There are two types of onycholysis: distal onycholysis and proximal onycholysis. Distal onycholysis occurs when the nail begins to separate at the edge of the nail and moves down towards the cuticle. Proximal onycholysis, on the other hand, starts in the cuticle area and continues up towards the end of the nail.
If you are experiencing nail lifting, it is recommended to clip away as much of the detached nail as possible and repeat this weekly. Gently wash the nail and surrounding skin with plain soap or a mild cleanser and water once daily, rinsing and drying the area carefully. It is also important to keep the nail bed dry, such as by wearing rubber gloves while doing dishes or other activities that may get your hands wet. Additionally, avoid using harsh products on the nails that may be causing the nail lifting, such as artificial nails.
While most cases of nail lifting do not lead to serious complications, it is still recommended to consult a podiatrist to ensure proper treatment and prevent potential infections.
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Treatments for nail lifting
Onycholysis, or nail lifting, is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. It can be caused by injury, psoriasis, fungal nail infection, or a reaction to medication.
There are two types of onycholysis: distal onycholysis and proximal onycholysis. Distal onycholysis occurs when the nail begins to separate at the edge and moves down towards the cuticle. Proximal onycholysis starts in the cuticle area and continues up towards the end of the nail.
Nail lifting can be treated by clipping away the detached nail and repeating this weekly. It is also important to keep the nail bed dry and clean to prevent infection. This can be done by gently washing the nail and surrounding skin with soap or a mild cleanser once daily and then drying the area carefully. Wearing rubber gloves while doing dishes or other activities that may get the nails wet can also help to keep the nail bed dry.
If you are experiencing nail lifting, it is recommended to avoid using harsh products on the nails, such as artificial nails. It is also important to see a podiatrist to ensure you receive the right treatment.
In most cases, the goal of treatment is to allow new, healthy nail growth, which can take several months. During this time, it is important to continue caring for the nails and nail beds to prevent further lifting or infection.
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Types of onycholysis
Onycholysis is the separation of a fingernail or toenail from its nail bed. It is a common nail disorder that can affect people of any age, race or gender, although it is most frequently seen in adult women. The condition is usually painless and occurs gradually, starting at the tip and/or sides of the nail.
There are two types of onycholysis: distal and proximal. Distal onycholysis is when the nail begins to separate at the edge and moves down towards the cuticle. Proximal onycholysis is when the nail starts to lift in the cuticle area and continues up towards the end of the nail.
Onycholysis has many possible causes, including trauma, skin disease, nail infections, tumours, or systemic events. It can also be caused by an allergic reaction to medication or detergents. In some cases, onycholysis may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition, such as thyroid disease or a yeast infection.
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How to prevent nail lifting
Lifting nails, also known as onycholysis, is the separation of the fingernail or toenail from the nail bed. This creates a space under the nail that can gather dirt and debris, which can lead to infection. Nail lifting is often caused by injury to the nail, but it can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections.
To prevent nail lifting, it is important to properly prep the nails before applying any products. This includes removing the nail's natural oils so that the nail has a dull top layer, dehydrating the nail plate, and gently pushing back and removing any excess cuticles. It is also important to avoid filing the nails excessively, as this can damage the nail plate and make it too fragile and thin, affecting the bonding process and causing lifting.
When applying products, make sure to shake the container of powder well and use a nail stick or pusher to mix the powder. Apply the base coat carefully, avoiding the cuticle and surrounding skin, as this will not adhere properly and allow moisture and air to get under the nail, causing lifting. Generously apply Activator to the tip of the nail or until the nail's end, capping the nail edges, to prevent lifting or chipping.
For those with lifting nails, it is recommended to 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 and drying the area. Try to keep the nail bed dry and avoid using harsh products on the nails, such as artificial nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Lifting nails, or onycholysis, is the separation of the fingernail or toenail from the nail bed.
Onycholysis means the lifting of the nail from the nail bed.
Nails affected by onycholysis appear white or yellow.
Nail lifting is most often caused by some sort of injury to the nail. It can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, thyroid disease, bacterial or fungal infections, or, rarely, some forms of cancer.
Most cases of nail lifting do not lead to serious complications, but it’s worth getting your nails checked by a podiatrist, to ensure you receive the right treatment. In the meantime, you can 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.
