ONYCHOLYSIS
Loosening or separation of finger nails or toe nails from its bed is clinically known as Onycholysis. Unlike fungal infection, Onycholysis does not cause pain. Usually Onycholysis starts affecting the nail tips first and will gradually spread to the bottom of the nail.
Trauma, even minor ones, caused by regular stroke on computer key boards with nails grown long can cause Onycholysis. Aggressive manicure and pedicure, digging the sides of the nails for removing dirt can also be cited as other common causes behind Onycholysis. Prolonged exposure to water and over use of cosmetics like nail polish for long are also considered to be the causes for the above disease.
Apart from this, diseases like psoriasis, thyroid infections, chemical reactions, reactions to certain medicines can also cause Onycholysis.
Onycholysis is primarily considered as a disease affecting adults. This is however not a general rule. Women, especially those who grow their nails long, seem to be more affected by this disease rather than men.
Appearance of a gap between the pink portion of the nail and the white outer edge will be the first sign of Onycholysis. Nails usually become transparent when infected by this disease and it may even cause discolouration to nails to green or yellow colours.
Discolouration to nails can also be an indication of a secondary infection. Skin under the nail may start thickening there after, depending on the cause behind the infection.
Normally the process of loosening nails from nail bed due to Onycholysis will not be painful as it is not a disease that affects the matrix.
Usually what makes this disease complicated is the possible accumulation of bacteria and other micro organisms under the bulged part of the nail. If unattended this further infection may lead to permanent deformity of the nails.
The change of the nail colour to green indicates the beginning of bacterial infection and white yeast.
The treatment to be given for Onycholysis is totally dependent on the cause behind the disease. To rule out the possibility of fungal or yeast infection, doctors usually scrap a small portion of debris from the under part of the nail.
Reattaching the loosened portion of the nail to nail bed is practically impossible. The infected portion will normally grow out with the growth of the nail and can be safely cut off then. This nail disorder has a tendency to leave a permanent mark on nail by changing its appearance.
Following these tips would be helpful in avoiding further deterioration and recurrence of the disease:
- Affected areas of the nails should be kept shortly trimmed and clipped to avoid spreading of infection.
- Stop using nail polish and nail polish removers once you get infected by Onycholysis to avoid irritation.
- Prevent contact with detergents and other irritating chemicals to avoid complications. It s advisable to use gloves when you us things like that.
One can prevent this disease by taking care of the following things:
- Keep your fingers dry, clean and healthy
- Avoid too much contact with water and other chemicals
- Always keep your nails neatly trimmed
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