12 Jan
Did You Know, GlossaryLive Blog

What is onycholysis?

DID YOU KNOW?

What is onycholysis?

Medical matters in the nail salon

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Onycholysis [on-y-chol-y-sis] is the medical term for separation of the finger or toenail (nail lifting) from the nail bed. This condition usually starts at the tip of the nail and can progress towards the eponychium. As the nail plate lifts away from the nail bed, a gap or pocket forms, which can be a potential site for infection. Once the nail has detached it will not reattach and instead, a new nail plate will grow back. This can take around six months for a fingernail. Typically onycholysis only affects one nail, and although it sees the nail plate peel away from the nail bed, it is in most cases painless, however this depends on the cause, since an injury or infection may cause pain or irritation.

What can cause or contribute to onycholysis?

  • Trauma: Injury or trauma to the nails.
  • Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections of the nails.
  • Chemical exposure: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, such as household cleaning agents.
  • Psoriasis & other skin conditions: Skin disorders like psoriasis can affect the nails and cause onycholysis.
  • Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience onycholysis as a result of an allergic reaction to nail product ingredients or other chemicals.
  • Medications: Certain medications may have nail-related side effects, leading to onycholysis.

What is the treatment advice?

There is no cure for the nail plate that has already separated from the nail bed epithelium, however treatment can keep new nail growth attached to the nail bed. The treatment of onycholysis depends on its underlying cause. In some cases, addressing the primary issue, such as treating an infection or discontinuing the use of irritating chemicals, can resolve the condition. The nail professional should advise the client to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Find out more here: https://nailknowledge.org/nail-knowledge-base/onycholysis

Related videos, articles & glossary terms on GlossaryLive

Back to blog
28 Nov
GlossaryLive Blog, Pro Q&A

Is the cuticle tissue dead or alive

PRO Q&A

Is the cuticle tissue dead or alive?

Discover the cuticle basics that every nail tech should know.

Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023

Cuticle is a thin layer of colorless dead tissue between the proximal nail fold, eponychium and the nail plate. Together they form a seal to keep pathogens from infecting the matrix area. To avoid product lifting in this area, best practice is to remove all cuticle that is directly attached to the nail plate, so polish and other nail products can adhere directly to the nail and not atop the cuticle. To gently detach cuticle from the nail plate, dip a 2×2 gauze square in cuticle remover and gently scrub the nail plate in a circular motion up to the eponychium. Trim excess cuticle or hangnails with a sharp cuticle nipper.

Back to blog
09 Jun
Glossary Terms

NAIL CREAM

NAIL CREAM [neyl-kreem]

What it is: Used on the natural nail and surrounding skin to condition and protect, it acts as a barrier product, which contains ingredients designed to seal the surface and hold sub-dermal moisture in the skin.
How to use it: Rub and massage into the nail and surrounding skin to stimulate the matrix by increasing blood circulation, while conditioning and protecting the nail. Aids in healing and repairing damage, helps address any roughness and softens tough skin at the eponychium.

VIDEOS RELATED TO THIS TERM

Breaking in a New Brush

French White Application

Image of Two Woman Smiling

Tap into the Wise & Powerful Part of You

LEARN MORE TERMS

View All Glossary Terms