Onycholysis - A Common Form of Nail Disease
Onycholysis is a very commonly occurring nail disorder. Dermatologists encounter this very frequently and can its treatment is very simple so there is no cause for worry. In simple terms, it is a disorder due to which the nail loosens and separates from its cushioning or bed. This can occur in both the nails of the feet or the hand.
In the normal cases of this disorder the nail begins to uproot from the free end i.e. the edge of the finger. In very rare cases, the nail begins to uproot from the lateral sides or from the inward side of the nail towards the finger.
Causes
The most common of the causes responsible for onycholysis are –
Manicuring has also been known to be a cause when the nail file is used to clean the nails in aggressive manner. There can be numerous other causes but that depends on your medical history and whether you are already suffering from any skin affliction or lifestyle disease that could have precipitated the disorder.
Symptoms
Onycholysis symptoms can easily be observed by looking at the appearance of your nails. The first symptom is generally when the separation between the pink part of the nail (the part that is affixed to the finger) and the white part (the free part protruding outwards) become irregular and the white part begins to work inwards.
The other onycholysis symptoms that appear as the affliction develops are
Treatment
Onycholysis treatment is fairly straightforward. However, it is advised to consult a dermatologist as one would not want an infection that could allow the disorder to worsen. Moreover, the cause must be isolated and if the cause is another disorder within the body, its treatment will bring the nails back to normal also.
The advice in normal onycholysis treatment would generally be to keep the nail and the finger dry and not expose it to moisture. Clip the uprooted part of the nail and avoid any action that might cause any further trauma. Also one must avoid any contacts with chemicals of any sort. If followed, the nails will grow back in a few months time.
In the normal cases of this disorder the nail begins to uproot from the free end i.e. the edge of the finger. In very rare cases, the nail begins to uproot from the lateral sides or from the inward side of the nail towards the finger.
Causes
The most common of the causes responsible for onycholysis are –
- Trauma, where in an accident or injury the nail is wrenched up with force.
- Water, if the hands and nails are soaked for too long in water, the nails might come free.
- Chemical or allergic reaction due to immersion in water which has any chemical or other dissolvent.
Manicuring has also been known to be a cause when the nail file is used to clean the nails in aggressive manner. There can be numerous other causes but that depends on your medical history and whether you are already suffering from any skin affliction or lifestyle disease that could have precipitated the disorder.
Symptoms
Onycholysis symptoms can easily be observed by looking at the appearance of your nails. The first symptom is generally when the separation between the pink part of the nail (the part that is affixed to the finger) and the white part (the free part protruding outwards) become irregular and the white part begins to work inwards.
The other onycholysis symptoms that appear as the affliction develops are
- Yellow or green pigmentation under the uprooted parts of the nail.
- Lumps and indentations on the surface of the nail as the skin underneath comes free and thickens.
- Pain, but only in cases where the raw skin underneath has contracted an infection.
Treatment
Onycholysis treatment is fairly straightforward. However, it is advised to consult a dermatologist as one would not want an infection that could allow the disorder to worsen. Moreover, the cause must be isolated and if the cause is another disorder within the body, its treatment will bring the nails back to normal also.
The advice in normal onycholysis treatment would generally be to keep the nail and the finger dry and not expose it to moisture. Clip the uprooted part of the nail and avoid any action that might cause any further trauma. Also one must avoid any contacts with chemicals of any sort. If followed, the nails will grow back in a few months time.
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