Simply put; Onycholysis is a relatively common nail disorder in its mild form where the natural nail plate lifts and separates from the natural nail bed. It is not an infection, but a disorder. So then why is there so much confusion over what it really is?
The Bed Epithelium
The Bed Epithelium is a type of Epidermis (non living tissue) that closely resembles the lining on the inside of your gob. This tissue gets shed from the distal end of the matrix and becomes fused with the bottom layer of nail plate cells as they form. Because of this, this skin grows out with the natural nail plate.
This skin is very funky and unique in the way that it has small "rail" like formations that end up running the length of the natural nail until the nail plate becomes the free edge. At this point the Bed Epithelium is referred to as "the Solehorn cuticle" until it generally dries up and sheds off.
The Dermis
The dermis is considered to be the nail bed as it contains the many capillaries that feed the tissue and give the nail body is pink colouration. The dermis is living tissue as it contains nerve endings, blood supply, etc...
One funky characteristic about the dermis is that it fits with the Epithelium ridges in a "tongue in groove" fashion.
If the Bed Epithelium ridges pop out o the Dermal grooves, you get Onycholysis.
The condition
Onycholysis is characterised by an abnormal looking free edge, or a free edge that looks as if it is growing back toward the cuticle area.
It can be caused by:
The key concern about this type of condition is two fold:
Though this is rare, it is a possibility. The real concern is for forming a Fungal infection though this too is fortunately very rare. Check out the novel on Moldy and Fun Guy.
The concern over the loss of the natural nail plate or damage to the matrix could only occur if the Onycholysis is very extreme.
The natural nail plate would have to separate completely back to the matrix in order for this to occur. If the Onycholysis looks severe or is chronic: always err on the side of caution, use your professional discretion and refer them to a Derm.
Shall I freak if I see Onywhatchacallit?
As long as the Onycholysis is minor, here are the steps I would recommend you take.
If the condition is chronic, or worsens with time: Refer to a Derm.
The Bed Epithelium
The Bed Epithelium is a type of Epidermis (non living tissue) that closely resembles the lining on the inside of your gob. This tissue gets shed from the distal end of the matrix and becomes fused with the bottom layer of nail plate cells as they form. Because of this, this skin grows out with the natural nail plate.
This skin is very funky and unique in the way that it has small "rail" like formations that end up running the length of the natural nail until the nail plate becomes the free edge. At this point the Bed Epithelium is referred to as "the Solehorn cuticle" until it generally dries up and sheds off.
The Dermis
The dermis is considered to be the nail bed as it contains the many capillaries that feed the tissue and give the nail body is pink colouration. The dermis is living tissue as it contains nerve endings, blood supply, etc...
One funky characteristic about the dermis is that it fits with the Epithelium ridges in a "tongue in groove" fashion.
If the Bed Epithelium ridges pop out o the Dermal grooves, you get Onycholysis.
The condition
Onycholysis is characterised by an abnormal looking free edge, or a free edge that looks as if it is growing back toward the cuticle area.
It can be caused by:
- Trauma
i.e. Catching the nail in a pickle slicer. - Mechanical force
i.e. Nippers, using metal implements to clean under the nail, Jedi Knights that fix x-wing fighters. - Abrasive Burns
i.e. Playing quest for fire while blending in a tip. The Bed Epithelium has been know to heat up to 107 degrees to 150 degrees while filing on the natural nail plate. This can scar the Bed Epithelium and promote Onycholysis. - Some nail conditions
i.e. Chronic Onycholysis is often a symptom of nail Psoriasis.
The key concern about this type of condition is two fold:
- There is an open body cavity.
- Loss of natural nail plate and damage to the matrix
Though this is rare, it is a possibility. The real concern is for forming a Fungal infection though this too is fortunately very rare. Check out the novel on Moldy and Fun Guy.
The concern over the loss of the natural nail plate or damage to the matrix could only occur if the Onycholysis is very extreme.
The natural nail plate would have to separate completely back to the matrix in order for this to occur. If the Onycholysis looks severe or is chronic: always err on the side of caution, use your professional discretion and refer them to a Derm.
Shall I freak if I see Onywhatchacallit?
As long as the Onycholysis is minor, here are the steps I would recommend you take.
- Avoid Soaking off the nail enhancement, Picking off, or using the tooth removal method.
These techniques can make the condition significantly worse. - Shorten the length of the enhancement.
Quite a bit o Onycholysis is caused by excessive length of the enhancements. The longer the enhancement, the more stress is applied to the nail bed when the enhancement is put under pressure. - Thin down the enhancement
Keep the affected nail clean and pampered
This of course doesn't mean pouring Weed Killer under the nail, or cleaning under the nail with a wire brush. It simply means to keep the are clean from debris and to be conscious of the condition as it grows out.
The client should wear gloves and try to stay out of strong solvents or detergents as these can dry the Bed Epithelium out worsening the condition. - Do not attempt to re-adhere the plate to the bed using Adhesive, Blue tack, or Duct Tape.
If the condition is chronic, or worsens with time: Refer to a Derm.
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