What should you know about partial onycholysis?

The detached area may look white, yellow or grey because air sits beneath the nail. It can follow repeated wet work, pressure from footwear, an injury, aggressive manicuring, skin inflammation or an infection such as Nail Fungus. Nail Psoriasis can also alter the nail bed and cause lifting. The separated portion does not reattach immediately; healthy nail usually has to grow forward from the base. A clinician may inspect the nail, surrounding skin and other nails, and may test debris when infection is a possibility.

Keep the nail short, smooth any sharp edge with a clean file, and avoid picking underneath it. Keep hands and feet clean and dry, wear roomy shoes, and use gloves for prolonged contact with water or cleaning products. Pause nail extensions, polish removal with harsh solvents and cosmetic work that causes soreness. Do not glue the lifted section down or cut into attached skin. Treatment depends on the trigger; a clinician may recommend an antifungal, anti-inflammatory care or, when damaged nail needs removal, Nail Surgery.

Arrange a dermatology review if separation spreads, affects several nails, returns repeatedly or has no clear injury-related explanation. Seek prompt care for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, bleeding, a dark mark that is extending, or fever. People with diabetes, reduced circulation or a weakened immune system should seek advice early for a sore or infected-looking nail. Avoid covering a changing nail with polish before it is assessed.

Could this be trauma, Nail Fungus, Nail Psoriasis or another nail condition? Does the nail need a sample or other testing? Which products and activities should I avoid while it grows? What changes would mean I should return sooner?