What is Onycholysis (or Nail Peeling)?

Onycholysis, also known as nail detachment or nail bed separation, refers to the condition where the nail separates from the nail bed. The primary causes of onycholysis are fungal infections or nail malnutrition. Mild cases involve partial nail detachment, while severe cases involve complete detachment of the nail from the nail bed surface, leaving no nail tissue beneath. Such conditions are often associated with trauma.

Patients may experience fungal issues due to skin fungi invading damaged nails, compromising the health of their nails. In such cases, softening the nails is recommended, followed by timely removal of the affected nails and local treatment with antifungal ointments or creams. This approach can achieve satisfactory results. The diseased nails need to be continuously removed until healthy new nails grow out completely. Typically, this process requires persistence for over half a year to achieve a cure and avoid the troubles and hazards associated with the disease.

There are various causes of onycholysis, and treatment should be tailored to the specific underlying factors, such as fungal infections, acid-base irritation, and nail malnutrition. Different causes require different treatment approaches. For patients with fungal infections, antifungal therapy is essential to promote normal keratinization of the nails, reducing the harm caused by the disease and protecting the health of the nails.

In traditional Chinese medicine, onycholysis is often attributed to imbalances in liver qi and blood deficiency. Based on the theory that "the liver governs tendons and manifests its essence in nails," the treatment focuses on soothing the liver and regulating qi to nourish and moisturize the nails.