The most common cause of onycholysis is trauma. Even slight trauma can cause onycholysis when it happens repetitively - for example, the daily tapping of long fingernails on a keyboard or counter. Onycholysis also can be caused by manicure tools that are pushed beneath the nail to clear dirt or smooth the nail. Too much moisture also can cause the problem.

Fungal infection and the skin disease psoriasis can cause onycholysis. These often cannot be told apart by examining alone, and a test for fungus needs to be done. Certain medications (Oxsoralen, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Naproxen) makes a person have abnormal sensitivity to light. One can get sunburn under the nails, which causes onycholysis. In rare cases all the nails are affected and then it can be a sign of iron deficiency or thyroid over-activity.

Causes of Onycholysis

Infection with bacteria and yeast starts to occur in the space under the nail. This turns the loose portion of the nail a white, yellow, or green tinge. Generally, if the infection appears to be green, it's a bacterial infection and if it appears to be white it is a yeast infection. This has to be controlled before the nail will reattach. The nail can only take so much damage without being permanently deformed, if it has gone too far the nail changes may be permanent.

TREATMENT OF Onycholysis

Patients should avoid trauma to the affected nail, and keep the nail bed dry.
Patients should clip the affected portion of the nail, and keep the nails short.
Fungal nail infections sometimes can be treated with prescription medicines. However, the medicines required to treat the nail condition are expensive and can have side effects. You should discuss the pros and cons of treatment with your doctor.
Patients should avoid exposure to contact irritants and moisture .

Prevention Tips of Onycholysis

Avoiding frequent exposure to chemicals such as nail polish remover.
Avoid injuring the affected nail, and keep the nail bed dry.
Avoid exposure to contact irritants such as nail enamel and enamel remover or solvents and detergents.
Wear light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves for wet work.