Onycholysis: What Nail Pros Should Know About Nail Separation

Onycholysis is the separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. While it may look painful, it typically isn’t—at least not at first. But without proper care, this common nail disorder can lead to infections, deformities, and long-term damage.

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In onycholysis, the nail acts like a lever, slowly pulling away from the nail bed. It can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:

• Physical trauma
• Chemical exposure
• Underlying skin conditions or systemic diseases
• Certain medications

While this condition often resolves on its own, it can take several months—sometimes up to a year for toenails—to fully recover, depending on severity and cause.

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Common Symptoms of Onycholysis

Look for these visual and physical cues:

• White or opaque area on the nail where detachment occurs
• Thickened skin under the lifted nail
• Pitting or indentations on the nail surface
• Discoloration, especially if an infection sets in (green for bacterial, white for yeast)
• No initial pain, though discomfort may develop if infection or trauma continues

 Note: A separated nail opens the door for infections. “An area has opened that’s normally been clean and closed,” says Doug Schoon, an internationally-recognized scientist, author and educator with over 30 years experience in the cosmetic, beauty and personal care industry.

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What Causes Onycholysis?

While multiple causes exist, physical trauma is the most common culprit. Other causes include:

Physical Trauma:

• Overfiling the natural nail
• Vigorous cuticle pushing or cleaning under the nail
• Tapping/typing, especially with long nails
• Wearing tight shoes (common with toenails)
• Blunt force (e.g., slamming a finger in a door)

Chemical and Product Irritants:

• Nail hardeners or adhesives
• Frequent wet work or prolonged water exposure
• Allergic contact dermatitis from nail products

Health-Related Causes:

• Psoriasis or thyroid disease
• Fungal or bacterial infections
• Medications that affect nail growth

 Older clients may be more susceptible due to thinning skin and weaker nail bonds.

Treatment and Recovery

Key Guidelines:

• Avoid trauma to the affected nail(s)
• Keep the area clean and dry
• Trim nails short and avoid manipulating the lifted area
• Do not attempt to remove the detached portion—this should be handled medically
• Refer to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment

If infection is suspected:

• A physician may order lab tests to confirm fungal involvement
• Medications or antifungals may be prescribed

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Tips for Nail Technicians

If you see signs of onycholysis on a client:

Do:

• Recommend a physician visit for diagnosis
• Be gentle with the affected nails
• Shorten nail enhancements (without removing them)
• Keep nail beds dry during services
• Adjust services for lifestyle (e.g., suggest shorter nails for frequent typists)

Don’t:

• File aggressively or over-manipulate the nail
• Apply nail polish, remover, or enhancement chemicals on the affected nail
• Attempt to trim or remove the detached nail

 Red Flag: If multiple clients are showing signs of onycholysis, examine your filing technique and service protocol for potential contributors.

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