Here's Why I Just Bought Myself Kitchen Gloves

I've always had very tender fingernails that would curl back or even break off on their own. My toenails are equally as soft and I can easily trim them with my fingers. Some of my fingernails move away from the nailbed but it was never a problem because it always seems to attach itself back.

It became a worry when I noticed my toenails were doing something weird. The big toenails both had another nail growing under them. I figured it was as a result of trauma because I tend to hit them a lot when moving around and since they're tender, I get injured.

Anyway, I went searching, trying to figure out what's wrong with my finger and toenails and I think I hit the nail on the head.

What is Onycholysis?

Onycholysis is the separation of a nail from its nailbed, usually a gradual and painless process. It separates either from the tip or the sides and the detached part is lighter from the rest of the nail or takes a discoloration.

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It lasts for a couple of months because nails do not reattach to the nail bed. A new nail has to grow and this usually takes 4-6 months for fingernails and 8-12 months for toenails.

Causes

Trauma on the nails can lead to onycholysis and it happens to be the common cause. Other causes are too much exposure to water and the use of manicure tools. Nail products like nail polish remover and artificial nails can cause allergies that lead to onycholysis. It can also be a result of wearing tight shoes in the case of toenails. Other health conditions like psoriasis can also be a cause and sometimes, the cause can be systemic or unknown.

The nails can sometimes be markers and show that something might be wrong with the body. For instance, onycholysis might indicate a lack of vitamins, thyroid disease or yeast infection.

Diagnosis

A doctor will typically diagnose onycholysis by examining the nails. Although easily self-diagnosed, it's advisable to see a doctor once you notice the symptons of onycholysis so as to deal with any underlying problems that might be causing it.

Treatment

The nails tend to grow back but then if the skin is now exposed, care needs to be taken to avoid infections. Essential oils with antifungal properties help with onycholysis. Ultimately, you need to follow doctor's instructions to treat any underlying cause of onycholysis.

Preventive Measures

According to Medical News Today,

It is not always possible to prevent onycholysis. However, a person can try:

  • avoiding wearing warm, wet shoes for prolonged periods
  • wearing gloves and appropriate footwear when exercising or doing manual labor
  • keeping psoriasis well controlled with therapies and medications
  • eating a balanced diet and supplementing with vitamin D and iron if needed
  • managing any thyroid conditions

I have my doctor's appointment in a couple of days so I decided to wait until then before complaining about my nails. I barely use nail polish or use artificial nails but I've completely stopped them since I discovered what I've been experiencing is onycholysis. Most of my daily chores have me dipping my hands in water a lot and so I bought kitchen gloves to reduce contact with water.

It's never been a bother when this was happening to my fingernails but after noticing it on my toenails for the first time, having a whole new nail underneath while the old one is still hanging off, I think it's time to find out what's causing this.

REFERENCES
  1. https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis
  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319851#prevention
  3. https://www.healthline.com/health/nail-abnormalities-2
  4. https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/onycholysis.html


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10 comments
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Damn. That looks sad.

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Body be doing weird stuff

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The rumor is that Medbeds from elysium are going to be released by US military .... mri machines that can heal most any disease and de age you like 3d printer.... same tech as mri.... just writing instead of reading











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I think I have seen someone without any toenails before. Remembering now and I just wish I'd been inquisitive enough to spy on his fingers to see if they are also nailless.

Generally, nails and hairs are bioindicators of something more sinister, like environmental pollution or underlining health conditions like you rightly opined. Since your own case is not entirely new, I am certain there is not much to it.

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Well, I hope there's nothing more to mine.

I've seen someone without toenails too.

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Your nails remind me of my own. I have nail psoriasis, and I have had it for years. Do you have psoriasis elsewhere? I have a very mild case, but the nails are irritating at times. It is trivial in the grand scheme of things, but an annoyance. If you can get a good doctor to look at them to make a diagnosis, I recommend it.

Although the cream helps the psoriasis on my skin, there is not much to be done for the nail psoriasis. I deal with it by simply trimming my nails as short as possible. Since I have been doing that, there has been some improvement, actually.

Things that make my psoriasis better: (medically proven) sunlight -- UV light is good for psoriasis, and it is a double-edged sword because we all know it can cause skin cancer, but if you have patches of psoriasis on your skin, avoiding sunscreen on those patches can help, but then you risk other problems. I recommend it for short periods of time only. Also, I find that a good moisturizer, non-medicated, really helps the psoriasis. Not the nails though. Only close trimming helps those.

Things that make my psoriasis notably worse: stress. It is remarkable how my nails and skin psoriasis respond to stress faster than any other part of me. They are like an early warning system.

I hope things improve for you.

(P.S. Do you have bumps, ridges or pitting on your nails? That is one way to know it is psoriasis. I have a bumpy thumb nail and most of my nails have ridges or lines in them. That being said, you would not believe how much improved they are from regularly trimming them not quite to the quick. It has made them almost look normal!)

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Thanks for taking your time to help.

No, I don't have psoriasis anywhere else (I checked now). There are no pittings or ridges on my nails either so I guess that rules out psoriasis.

I complained about it yesterday to my doctor and he gave me an antifungal ointment to use on my nails.

That being said, you would not believe how much improved they are from regularly trimming them not quite to the quick. It has made them almost look normal!)

I will make a conscious effort to trim my nails more frequently, I don't do that often.

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