What is Onycholysis and what causes it?

Onycholysis, the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed, can be a painful condition. It is caused by the nail bed responding to an irritation, an allergen, or mechanical damage. This separates the nail from the nail bed, forming a cavity where infectious microorganisms can quickly grow, which in some cases may prevent this newly formed cornified layer from healing, which may cause the Onycholysis to persist. In the absence of a cornified layer, onycholysis would be expected to disappear as the nail plate grows.

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What causes Onycholysis?

This condition can be caused by several different issues, including mechanical factors (incorrect use of electronic files). It can happen if the strong seal, the hyponychium, is broken by something being pushed under the free edge. Wearing very long nail enhancements can create a lever effect that can cause onycholysis or may prevent this condition from healing.​

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How Can We Help?

At Nail'd.It!, we recognized that all nail coatings need to be removed and the natural nail shortened. Even if the cause of the onycholysis is not known, long fingernails are prone to accidents, especially if they are no longer attached to the nail bed.  Although onycholysis is usually seen under the free edge, it can also be evident in the center of the nail bed.