What should you know about separation of fingernail from nail bed?

The detached portion may look white because air has entered beneath the nail. It can begin at the tip or sides and gradually extend toward the base. A trapped injury, repeated wet work, manicures, cleaning chemicals, tight gloves, or picking can contribute. Nail fungus may cause thickening, colour change, and debris, while nail psoriasis can produce pits, scaling, or separation. The lifted part generally does not reattach; healthy nail grows forward from the base over time.

Keep the nail short by trimming only the loose edge, and do not pull it off. Wash gently, dry thoroughly, and cover it when work could catch or soil the nail. Avoid artificial nails, polish, scraping, and prolonged soaking until the cause is clearer. A clinician can examine the nail and may test material if infection is suspected; treatment depends on the finding rather than appearance alone.

Arrange medical assessment if separation is spreading, affects several nails, returns without an obvious injury, or comes with persistent colour or texture change. Seek prompt care for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, a deep cut, or a dark mark that does not grow out. Sudden separation after a crush injury may need evaluation for damage beneath the nail.

Ask what pattern the nail shows, whether a sample or skin examination is useful, and which habits could be delaying growth. Discuss whether nail fungus, nail psoriasis, or nail surgery is relevant to your situation.