Onycholosis is the medical term for when your nail separates from the nail bed. The term can be used to describe the condition on your fingers or toes, but in our line of work, we really only deal with onycholosis on a person’s foot. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why the toenail can separate from the nail bed and how to manage or treat the condition.
Causes Of Onycholosis
We put a lot of stress and strain on our feet, so it should come as no surprise that trauma to your foot or nailbed is the most common reason why the nail ends up separating from the nailbed. Direct trauma, like dropping a heavy box on your foot or stubbing your toe on the kitchen table, or repetitive trauma, like regularly pushing your body during a high-impact exercise program, are your typical causes of onycholosis. Most patients can think back to a specific moment or a collection of moments that contributed to the nail separating from the nail bed.
However, direct or repetitive trauma are not the only causes of onycholosis. Other causes or contributing factors to the condition include:
- Vitamin deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency
- Hyperthyroidism
- Nail psoriasis
- Fungal infections
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Medication use
It’s wise to consult with a physician if you’re dealing with onycholosis, but that’s especially true if you suspect that other factors outside of trauma may have contributed to your condition, as additional management strategies may need to be pursued.
Aside from separating, some early indications that may suggest you’re at risk of onycholosis include nail discoloration, nail thickening, nail cracking, brittleness or general nail bed discomfort.
Diagnosing and Treating Onycholosis
One look at the nail bed can confirm that you’re dealing with onycholosis, but additional testing like a blood draw or vitamin panel may be recommended if other underlying factors may be at play.
Treatment really focuses on providing an ideal environment for the nail to regrow since the broken nail cannot be reattached. You’ll want to remove the portion of the nail that has detached and work to keep the nail bed clean and dry over the course of the next few months to prevent bacterial or fungal growth. Topical anti-fungal or antibacterial medications can help to prevent infections while healing runs its course. It’s also helpful to wear shoes that are not overly restrictive or tight during this time to avoid straining the nail bed. Any discomfort associated with the original detachment should fade after a short while, and you’ll likely forget at times that you’re missing a nail on your toe as it’s regrowing. This regrowing process typically takes between 12-18 months.
Finally, it’s also helpful to ensure that you are making any necessary lifestyle changes in the event other issues contributed to your onycholosis. Improving your vitamin intake, managing underlying conditions like diabetes or hypothroidism, working towards a healthy weight and limiting exposure to harsh chemicals or ill-fitting shoes can all mitigate your risk of developing a new or chronic issue with your nail bed.
If you need help managing onycholosis or a similar foot and ankle issue, connect with Dr. Silverman at Resurgens Orthopaedics by calling (404) 847-9999.
