What should you know about a lifted finger nail?

Nail separation, known medically as onycholysis, creates a gap between the nail plate and the nail bed. The detached portion may look white because air sits beneath it, or it may appear yellow, green, brown, or grey when debris, staining, or infection is present. A single nail can lift after impact, repeated wet work, manicure trauma, tight pressure, or chemical exposure. Nail Fungus and Nail Psoriasis can also contribute, but appearance alone cannot confirm either diagnosis.

Keep the nail short by trimming only the loose edge, and do not pull off attached nail. Keep the finger clean and dry, wear gloves for prolonged water or chemical exposure, and pause artificial nails or harsh removers. A clinician may examine the nail and surrounding skin and may take a sample if infection is suspected. Treatment depends on the cause; Nail Surgery is reserved for selected problems and is not a substitute for identifying why the nail lifted.

Arrange a medical review if separation is spreading, affects several nails, returns repeatedly, or has no clear injury. Seek prompt care for severe throbbing pain, pus, spreading redness, fever, a deep cut, or a nail that turns dark after a crush injury. A persistent dark streak or pigment extending onto nearby skin should also be assessed.

Could this be trauma, infection, psoriasis, or irritation? Do I need a nail sample? How should I trim and protect the loose area? What changes would mean I need a faster review?