Is there a cure for nail separation?

Onycholysis is lifting of the nail plate from the skin beneath it. The detached area may look white, yellow or green and can catch on clothing. Injury, repeated wet work, chemical exposure, nail products, nail fungus, nail psoriasis and some medicines can contribute. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Keep the nail short by filing the free edge carefully, protect it from knocks, and wear gloves for wet or chemical tasks. Keep the area clean and dry, avoid picking under the nail, and pause extensions, aggressive manicures and irritating removers. A clinician may test for nail fungus or examine for nail psoriasis before choosing treatment. Removing a loose portion is a clinical decision, not a home cure.

Arrange an assessment when separation affects several nails, keeps spreading, follows a new medicine, or comes with thickening, pits, pain or skin changes. Seek prompt care for redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever or a dark streak that does not grow out. People with diabetes or reduced circulation should have foot and nail changes reviewed early.

Ask what cause is most likely, whether a sample or other test is needed, how to protect the nail during regrowth, and whether nail surgery has a role in your situation.