Onycholyse – the detachment of a nail plate from its matrix, partially or completely, resulting in an opaque thickening of the nail surface that makes it look brown and brittle.
The word onycholyse is derived from the Greek words onyx (nail) and lyse (acid). It is an adjective that describes this condition, which can be triggered by many things, including a fungal infection of the nail, injury, psoriasis or reaction to medications or chemicals. It is most common to see onycholysis at the end of the fingernails, where the free edge of the nail starts to separate from the nail bed. However, it can also be seen in the middle of the nail and even the proximal area where the cuticle begins.
In most cases, a person will have to wait for the onycholysis to resolve on its own. This usually happens within a few weeks or months. In some cases, it may be necessary to use medications or chemical treatments to speed up the healing process. Keeping the nails dry and away from external irritants is a good idea, as is regular trimming of the nails to prevent them from being too long and creating traction on the skin and the nail.
The best way to treat onycholysis is by treating the underlying cause. This will help the onycholysis to resolve and allow the nail to grow normally. This can be accomplished with the help of a doctor who can help find an appropriate treatment option for a person’s individual needs.
It is important to know that onycholysis isn’t a contagious condition, especially when it is caused by a fungal infection or an injury. Depending on the type of onycholysis that is present, it can be treated with a topical medication that is applied directly to the nail. Some of these medicines include ciclosporin, etanercept and tacrolimus.
An alternative to topical treatment is a nail fungus removal kit that includes the use of a home treatment, such as a tincture or an oral med, to help fight the fungus and promote healing. It’s important to follow the instructions of the kit closely in order to avoid side effects, such as a worsening of the onycholysis.
Another way to treat onycholysis is by having a medical professional trim and clean the nails. This will remove the loosening parts of the nail that are separating and will help them to heal properly. Regular trimming of the nails will also prevent them from getting too long and causing further problems. This can be done by a dermatologist or an osteopathic physician.