Онихолиз (Onycholysis)

Onycholysis – what is it?

Onycholysis is the separation of the nail from the nail plate, which can lead to complete or partial loss of the nail. This condition is often observed in various diseases such as psoriasis and fungal infections of the skin or nails. Although this condition can occur in anyone, it is most common in women.

How does nail separation occur?

The nail is attached to the nail plate that lies underneath it. If the nail separates from the nail plate, this means that the connection between these two layers is broken. The cause of separation may be injury, but most often it is due to illness.

What could be the causes of Onycholysis?

Onycholysis can be caused by various factors, such as:

  1. Trauma: blow, strong compression, damage to the nail during a manicure or pedicure;

  2. Infection: fungal nail infection, bacterial infection or viral diseases;

  3. Chemicals: Contact with harsh chemicals such as solvents, dyes or nail polishes;

  4. Diseases: psoriasis, eczema, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism;

  5. Improper nail care: overusing a nail file, wearing shoes that are too tight, or damaging your nails when removing gel polish.

What symptoms accompany Onycholysis?

The main symptom of Onycholysis is the separation of the nail from the nail plate. This can happen either partially or completely. Additionally, the skin under the separated nail may become red and inflamed. If the nail separates due to infection, the nail may become painful, itchy, and fall out.

How to treat Onycholysis?

With Onycholysis, it is first necessary to establish the cause of this condition. If the cause is an infection, then it is necessary to undergo treatment for fungal or bacterial infections. If the cause is injury, then it is necessary to treat the wound and monitor nail growth. If Onycholysis is caused by a disease, then the underlying disease must be treated.

In most cases, nails will grow back on their own, but this may take several months. Until the nail is completely restored, it is necessary to monitor the hygiene of the hands and nails and avoid traumatic effects on the nails.

In conclusion, Onycholysis is a condition that can occur in anyone, but is most commonly seen in women and is associated with various medical conditions. The main symptom is the separation of the nail from the nail plate. Treatment depends on the cause of the condition and may include treating infections, treating an injury, or treating the underlying condition. In most cases, nails grow back on their own, but until complete recovery it is necessary to monitor the hygiene of your hands and nails and avoid traumatic effects on the nails. If you experience symptoms of Onycholysis, consult a doctor or nail care professional.



Detachment of the nail from the nail plate or loss of the nail in whole or in part is called onycholysis. It is extremely rare that the nail is completely separated from the nail plate. In this case, onycholysis is manifested by progressive loss and separation of the nail plates in the distal part. Onyholi



Onycholysis: ontogenesis and function of nails

Onycholysis is a deep, torpid separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. The incidence of this pathology is no more than 5% of all nail diseases, however, its distribution in the modern world has increased noticeably in recent decades thanks to the widespread practice of micro