6th June 2025

Onycholysis

Onycholysis is when your nail separates from its nail bed. It often appears after an injury to your nail, but it may have other causes, including fungal infection. Onycholysis can affect both sexes, all ages and races. It is most frequently seen in adult women. Onycholysis can be associated with: Psoriasis, infection, hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis, trauma, amyloidosis and connective tissue disorders. The distal part of the nail is most commonly affected by lifting the free edge; sometimes the nail may detach laterally or proximally. Diagnosis is made clinically but investigations can be carried out to find out the cause if not clear including nail clippings and blood tests.

Treatment is based on the fact that the detached portion of the nail will not reattach. The aim of treatment is for the new nail growth to remain attached to the underlying nail bed. Onycholysis can be managed by; clipping the affected portion, wearing gloves, minimising activity which traumatises the nails and taping the nail down.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons (2014). Hand Taxotere 1, Licensed under a creative commons licence. Available for free at:  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Handstaxotere_1.jpg (Accessed 22 May 2025).