Understanding Onycholysis - Nail LIfting - Causes, symptoms and Care Tips
Understanding Onycholysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Care Tips
Onycholysis, commonly referred to as nail lifting, is a condition where the nail plate separates from the nail bed. While it might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, it can lead to discomfort, infections, and long-term nail health concerns if not treated promptly. Let’s dive into the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures to help nail professionals and enthusiasts understand this condition better.
What is Onycholysis?
Onycholysis occurs when the bond between the nail plate and the nail bed is disrupted. This detachment creates a gap where debris and microorganisms can accumulate, increasing the risk of infections. It can affect one or multiple nails, appearing as a whitish or yellowish discoloration starting from the free edge and progressing toward the cuticle.
Causes of Onycholysis
There are several potential causes of onycholysis, including:
1. Fungal or Bacterial Infections: Infections are a common cause of onycholysis. The fungus/bacteria can weaken the bond between the nail and the nail bed, causing the nail to become separated.
2. Trauma or Mechanical Stress: Trauma to the nail, such as from biting the nails, picking at the cuticles or under the free edge, excessive manicuring or cleaning under the free edge, or wearing nail extensions that are too long or going too long between infills, or over filing of the natural can damage the natural nail structure and lead to separation.
3. Psoriasis/ Eczema / Dermatitis: Chronic skin conditions can cause onycholysis due to the rapid turnover of skin cells in affected areas, impacting the nail bed.
4. Thyroid Disorders: Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can cause onycholysis due to changes in the body's metabolism, which may affect nail health.
5. Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to nail products like gel polish, nail polish removers, or other nail care items can irritate the nail bed and lead to separation.
6. Chemical Exposure: Harsh chemicals in cleaning agents or industrial substances can weaken the nail plate and cause lifting.
7. Improper Nail Enhancements: Incorrect application of artificial nails, ill fitting full cover extensions or excessive pinching during enhancements can exert pressure, lifting the nail plate.
8. Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like eczema, alopecia, or even systemic diseases can manifest as nail abnormalities, including onycholysis.
9. Chemical Burns: Over use of high acidic nail products like Acid Based Primers or applying Rubber Base/ Highly acidic Base Gels in thick layers can lead to over exposure to the available acid which leads to chemical burns which leads to nail separation due to trauma.
10. Constant Pressure from nail enhancements: When a full cover tip is applied that doesn’t fit well (either the tip is too narrow and forced onto the nail or potentially the tip is too flat and forced onto the nail whilst flash curing into place - exerting constant unnatural pressure) or products that cure quite hard are applied in too thick a layer exerting unnatural pressure leading to nail separation.
11. Heat spikes leading to burning of the nail bed: Applying products too thickly and not educating clients about how to deal with heat spikes can cause nail separation when too much heat occurs during the curing process.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Common signs of onycholysis include:
• Nail discoloration (white, yellow, or greenish hues).
• Seal under the free edge receding.
• Pain or tenderness around the affected area.
• Accumulated debris under the nail.
• Thickening of the skin under the free edge.
• Brittle or thickened nail plates.
If left untreated, secondary infections may develop, exacerbating the condition.
Treatment and Management
The treatment approach depends on the severity and cause:
• Immediate Care: Remove all nail coatings and keep nails short, clean, and dry.
• Address Underlying Issues: Treat infections with antifungal or antibacterial medications and consult a healthcare professional for systemic conditions.
• Gentle Nail Practices: Avoid aggressive cleaning or trimming and protect nails from further trauma.
• Avoid Irritants: Use professional grade nail products, avoid exposure to chemicals and avoid allergens like tea tree oil, which may worsen the condition.
Prevention Tips
Preventing onycholysis starts with proper nail care:
• Always follow the manufacturers instructions on nail product applications and avoid over-manicuring.
• Wear gloves when handling chemicals or engaging in activities that may harm nails.
• Keep nails clean, dry, and trimmed to prevent accidental trauma.
• Seek professional advice at the first sign of abnormalities.
When to Seek Professional Help
Severe cases of onycholysis, especially those involving infections, require medical attention. Nail technicians should not diagnose but can play a crucial role in spotting early signs and advising clients to seek care.
Onycholysis might seem daunting, but with proper care and attention, it can be managed effectively. As nail professionals, staying informed about such conditions enhances the quality of service provided to clients while ensuring their nail health remains a top priority.
