Onycholysis treatment is meted out to treat nails where the nail has got detached from the nail bed. This article provides some information about it and what precautions to take in order to deal with the same.
The nails are one of the most neglected parts of the body. These need constant care and maintenance but instead, one ends up letting them carelessly outgrow and then, do not bother to ensure that they are clean at all times. This could lead to a lot of nail problems. One such condition is onycholysis. This is a condition wherein the nail gets detached from the nail bed. The nail appears white and not red, as there is no inflammation. This condition is also known as nail lifting. Its treatment is difficult and it includes a slow procedure, as the onycholysis causes are varied in nature. To treat this condition, one needs to follow the guidelines that have been given below.
Unfortunately, the damage that has occurred to the nail bed cannot be reversed as the detached portion of the nail cannot be reattached to the nail bed. Thus, the only option left is to allow fresh nails to grow and replace the detached nail. This is the reason why the treatment takes so long, that is, one would have to wait for the nail to grow back. Also, it’s not easy to completely cure onycholysis once it has set in unless the main underlying systemic cause is addressed and then too, there is a likelihood that this may leave a permanent mark on one’s nail.
If one is affected by this condition, then the treatment would first and foremost entail treating the underlying cause. If the nail is detaching due to a nail fungus infection or some kind of a skin disease, then one needs to treat or try to bring under control the severity of symptoms. If the person has thyroid function imbalance, then a test would have to be conducted and the condition should be treated accordingly, as onycholysis will be a very mild symptom when compared to the other symptoms seen with thyroid dysfunction.
For instance, treatment of hyperthyroidism would let the nails grow normally and nail infections can be treated with prescription medications. Some treatments for psoriasis (when this is the cause), given by mouth would help improve the health of the nail. One should check whether they are allergic to any of the components seen in the nail polish they use, as this may also trigger off a reaction in which the nail may get detached. Once the dermatologist figures out the cause that is leading to this condition, he would chalk out a treatment plan for the same.
One can also take the following measures to prevent further spread of this condition:
- Do not expose the nails to harsh chemicals often.
- If one has very long fingernails, chances are that due to the constant trauma that occurs on hitting things, one may get affected by onycholysis. So, ideally, as one of the home treatment measures, one needs to keep the nails short.
- As a part of natural treatment, one should clip the affected part carefully, so that the nail bed is not exposed as this could make it more prone to infections.
- If one experiences onycholysis of the toe, then don’t wear very tight fitting shoes, as this may further make one sweat and may also cause more trauma to the nails, due to which they may get further detached.
This treatment is a long drawn one and one needs to be very careful if one has this condition, as it predisposes you to nail bed fungal infections. So, as they say, prevention is better than cure, it is best to take precautions so as to prevent the development of this condition in the first place. One needs to take good care of their nails by keeping them clean and by taking some active measures towards maintaining cuticle care. Try to avoid exposure to chemicals and do not change the nail polish or use a fingernail polish remover everyday.
If one happens to handle moist things very often or has to immerse their hands in water for a good part of the day, then one can wear gloves while doing so. These simple steps towards nail care can go a long way in preventing nail diseases and nail problems.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
