Onycholysis is a fungal nail infection in which nail plate is separated from the nail bed. The separation occurs gradually and is very painless. Both men and women both are affected with onycholysis disease. However, in a study it is stated that women are mostly suffered from this nail disease as compared to men. In some rare cases of onycholysis the spontaneous nail plate separation can be confined to the nails lateral borders although it usually starts at the distal free margin and progressing proximally.
Onycholysis is a nail disorder frequently encountered by dermatologists. Onycholysis problem is very common and can occur due to various factors, but the most common cause is a fungal nail infection called onychomycosis, trauma and a very rare cause is a photosensitive reaction to drugs such as tetracyclines. Less often, separation of the nail plate begins at the proximal nail and extends to the free edge, which is seen most often in psoriasis of the nails (termed onychomadesis). Women who have long fingernails are also suffered from onycholysis. It can be outcomes from the traumatic effect of fingernails hitting against hard items. It is important to treat opportunely the factors that exacerbate the onycholysis, left untreated may result in nail bed scarring.
Causes of Onycholysis
Onycholysis may occur in any person whether he may be a male or a female.
females are are more prone to Onycholysis than males.
Possible causes for Onycholysis includes - Psoriasis , Eczema, Tinea , Chronic Trauma , Cosmetics , Syphilis , Subungual tumors
It can be an infection or skin disease or the result of injury but it is seen more in women especially those having long fingernails.
Onycholysis results from the traumatic effect of having the tips of their finger nails hitting against hard objects.
Treatment and Prevention Tips for Onycholysis
In some cases, one who has long fingernails is suffered from onycholysis; therefore one should be kept the short nails.
Applying some preventive measures will make the onycholysis less likely to occur.
Avoid frequent exposure to harsh chemicals such as nail enamel and nail enamel remover.
Avoid prolonged imersion of hands in water.
Wear light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves if you are more prone to water.
Long fingernails are prone to onycholysis, so you should keep your nails short.
Clip the affected portion of the nail, and keep the nails short to ensure they endure repeated trauma from tapping everyday.
Persons suffering from onycholysis, should not wear shoes that squeeze the toes together, and always cut the nails straight across along the top.
