What should you know about onycholysis after injury?

A crush, knock, repetitive pressure, or puncture can disrupt the attachment under a fingernail or toenail. Blood under the nail may cause dark colour, while a clear gap can make the detached area look white. The loose portion does not reattach; healthy nail has to grow forward from the base. Nail Fungus and Nail Psoriasis can also present with nail separation, so a change that began after trauma should still be reviewed if it spreads, affects other nails, or fails to improve. A clinician may check for nail-bed damage, infection, or a foreign body.

Wash gently, dry carefully, and cover the nail with a light protective dressing if it catches on clothing. Trim only the free, detached edge with clean tools; never tear it away. Avoid picking, digging beneath the nail, tight shoes, and cosmetic nail products until the area settles. Use ordinary pain relief only if it is suitable for you and follow the label. Nail Surgery may be considered when a clinician finds a nail-bed problem or another specific indication, not simply because a nail looks lifted.

Seek prompt medical care for severe or increasing pain, a nail that is largely detached, a deep cut, uncontrolled bleeding, numbness, reduced movement, or a finger or toe that looks misshapen. Arrange review for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or a green or foul-smelling change. An injured dark nail may need assessment when blood occupies much of the nail or pressure pain is strong.

Is the nail bed intact? Does the dark area need drainage or monitoring? How should I dress and trim the nail? Could another condition be contributing? What changes should prompt an urgent return?