Why Is the Tip of My Fingernail Separating from the Flesh?

Separation of the front end of the fingernail from the flesh may be related to inherited diseases, trauma, nail diseases, lack of vitamins and proteins, and other factors.

Although it is rare for the separation of the fingernail and flesh to be caused by inherited diseases, it does exist. This is mainly due to the hypoplasia of the ectoderm during the embryonic stage, resulting in the hypoplasia of skin appendages and the central nervous system. This disease is also relatively difficult to cure as it originates from the embryonic stage.

Many people may suffer from trauma that causes the fingernail to detach. This is especially common among those who engage in manual work such as laundry, bathroom work, and kitchen work. For this type of fingernail detachment caused by trauma, the necrotic part of the fingernail should be removed first, and then wrapped with antibiotics and gauze to ensure a safe environment for the gradual regrowth of the fingernail.

In many cases, the detachment of the fingernail may also be caused by nail diseases such as onychomycosis and paronychia. Therefore, to effectively treat this type of fingernail detachment, it is necessary to first treat the underlying nail disease.

The separation of the fingernail from the flesh may also be caused by various internal diseases, such as hypoproteinemia, vitamin deficiency, and jugular venous nerve obstruction. For hypoproteinemia and vitamin deficiency, the main cause is the lack of vitamins and proteins. Supplementing albumin and vitamins can help treat these conditions.