Common Causes of Onycholysis
When it comes to onycholysis, the nail separation from the nail bed triggers might be less conspicuous than we initially think. The most common causes usually fall into one of two categories: trauma or infection.
Trauma
The first significant category for inducing onycholysis involves various forms of nail trauma. This concept isn’t limited to the obvious physical injuries we might picture. While direct harm to the nail from an accident or overly aggressive manicuring practices surely plays a part, other factors prove to be just as damaging. For example, long-term exposure to water or even colder temperatures can cause nails to separate from the nail bed. They expand and contract too much, leading to the damage.
Infection
Another leading cause of onycholysis is infections, specifically fungal ones. Sometimes, the perpetrator might be candida, a yeast that causes a rare form of the condition, termed Candida onycholysis. When left untreated, these infections can cause extensive damage not only to the nail but also to the surrounding tissue. Including comprehensive diagnosis and treatment as regular parts of our health routines can help us identify early signs of infection. This proactive approach will enable us to prevent any potential onycholysis before it has a chance to get a foothold.
Still, while all the causes mentioned are frequent contributors, our focus should remain on the fact that every case of onycholysis is unique. What might be the leading cause for one person might not affect another individual at all. Therefore, it remains crucial for individuals to consult with healthcare professionals and get the individualized care they need.
Onycholysis is Least Likely to be Caused by
As we dig deeper into the topic, we’ll uncover some of the less common triggers causing nails to disconnect from the nail bed. Although trauma and infection are the most often cited culprits, some additional influences, though less frequently observed, cannot be ruled out. Let’s cover a couple of them.
Allergic Reactions
Believe it or not, allergic reactions can be one of the culprits leading to Onycholysis. They’re not the first suspect to come to mind, but a few instances are well-documented. For instance, an allergy to some type of nail product, be it a hardener or polish, might be the root cause. Also, some individuals may have negative reactions to certain kinds of nail resin used for artificial nails. It’s important to keep in mind that our nails, just like our skin, are prone to adverse reactions.
Another often overlooked factor is an allergy to certain medications. A numerous group of pharmaceuticals like antibiotics, antiretrovirals, or even some antifungal drugs can lead to Onycholysis as a side effect, particularly when used long-term.
Thyroid Disorders
It may be surprising that thyroid disorders are also known to cause onycholysis. The thyroid gland has a significant impact on our bodies, including nail health.
In cases of hyperthyroidism where the gland overproduces hormones, nails can become weak and brittle eventually leading to separation from the nail bed. They also may appear unusually shiny and smooth, which is a pretty telltale sign of the condition.
On the flip side, hypothyroidism can also result in onycholysis. In this situation, the shortage of thyroid hormone production leads to slow metabolism, causing nails to grow slower and to separate from the nail bed.
While it’s understandable to focus on more common causes, being aware of these lesser-known triggers could be a game-changer in identifying and managing the issue effectively.
We’ve identified that onycholysis, the separation of the nail from the nail bed, is most often triggered by trauma and infection. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind the less common causes such as allergic reactions and thyroid disorders. Nail products or certain medications can spark allergic reactions leading to onycholysis. Similarly, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can weaken nails, causing them to separate from the nail bed. While these triggers are less common, they’re vital to identifying and managing onycholysis effectively. Awareness and understanding of these lesser-known causes can aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment, minimizing potential nail damage.
