12/24/2014    

INTERNATIONAL PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

Trinidad Podiatrist Discusses Onycholysis

 

Onycholysis means separation of nails from nail beds. "There are many causes for such a development. Nails worn long, are frequently lifted by being snagged. It is a nail disorder frequently encountered, and is characterised by a spontaneous separation of the nail plate from the underlying and or lateral supporting structures," says podiatrist  Leana Huntley.

 

Leana Huntley

 

The most common cause of onycholysis is trauma. "Even slight trauma can cause onycholysis when it happens repetitively, for example, the daily tapping of long fingernails on a keyboard or counter. Onycholysis also can be caused by manicure tools that are pushed beneath the nail to clear dirt or smooth the nail. Too much moisture also can cause the problem. Nails with onycholysis are usually smooth, firm, and without inflammatory reaction. Onycholysis is not a disease of the nail matrix, but nail discoloration may appear underneath the nail as a result of secondary infection. When it occurs, a co-existent yeast infection is suggested," says Huntley. 

 

Source: Trinidad Express [12/22/14]