What should you know about onychomycosis onycholysis?

The lifted portion may look white or yellow because air sits beneath it. Debris can collect under the nail, and the edge may catch on socks. Fungal infection is one possible cause of onycholysis; repeated trauma, irritants, psoriasis, or other disorders can look similar. A clinician may inspect the nail and test material from beneath it to confirm the cause.

Do not pull off the attached nail. Keep the loose edge trimmed and dry, wear protective footwear, and avoid scraping underneath with sharp tools. Treat athlete's foot if present and do not share clippers. Depending on the test result and extent of infection, care may involve Topical Antifungal Treatment, Oral Antifungal Treatment, laser treatment, or Nail Surgery for a troublesome nail.

Book an assessment when separation is new, widening, painful, or affecting several nails. Prompt medical attention is needed for redness, warmth, drainage, swelling, fever, or a dark mark that does not grow out. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or immune suppression, arrange evaluation early rather than treating a lifting nail yourself.

Ask what caused the separation, whether a fungal test is needed, how to protect the exposed nail bed, and which treatment is suitable for your medicines and health conditions.