If you love a fresh manicure, you may have noticed something alarming: a nail lifting away from the nail bed. This condition is called onycholysis, or nail separation, and it’s one of the most common nail disorders dermatologists treat. Whether you’re a fan of acrylics, gels, or even simple polish, onycholysis can happen to anyone—and while it’s not usually painful, it can take time to heal if not managed properly.
In this guide, we’ll break down what causes onycholysis, share dermatologist Dr. Dana Stern’s expert tips on how to heal onycholysis, and help you protect your nails from future damage.
What Causes Onycholysis?
Onycholysis can happen for several reasons, but one of the most common culprits is aggressive manicure processes. Overlays, acrylics, gels, and frequent polish application can put stress on the nail, leading it to separate from the nail bed.
Other potential causes include:
- Overly vigorous cleaning under the nails – Using nail tools or brushes can actually pry the nail up from the bed. Dr. Dana notes this is especially common in women over 50, whose nails may naturally adhere less firmly.
- Harsh nail treatments – Filing or chemical removers weaken the nail.
- Moisture and trauma – Excess water or repeated impact (like running, hiking, or skiing, where toenails hit the tip of the shoe) can trigger separation.
- Inflammatory conditions – Skin and nail disorders like psoriasis or eczema may also be involved.
- Medical factors – Thyroid disease or fungal infections can sometimes be the underlying cause.
Understanding what’s behind your nail separation is the first step to healing.
How to Heal Onycholysis – Dr. Dana’s Tips
Dermatologist and nail expert Dr. Dana Stern shares simple but effective steps for treating onycholysis at home. The key is to protect the nail while giving it time to reattach.
1. Clip, Don’t File
Keep nails short by gently clipping them. Never file a separated nail. As Dr. Dana says, “Filing a separated nail is like wiggling a loose tooth—the more you wiggle, the looser it gets.” Filing only worsens the separation.
2. Do Not Clean Under the Nail
Avoid using tools or brushes under the nail. Cleaning in this way pries the nail further off the nail bed and can trap bacteria.
3. Avoid Nail Cosmetics
Skip polish, gels, acrylics, and especially polish remover while healing. “What you’re really avoiding is the remover,” Dr. Dana explains, since it’s a strong solvent that can irritate the delicate nail bed.
4. Keep Nails Dry and Protected
Water is not your friend when healing onycholysis. Trapped moisture under the nail slows healing and increases infection risk. Wear gloves for chores like dishes, cleaning, or gardening.
5. Do Not Cover with Bandages
Bandages may seem protective but only trap moisture and worsen the problem.
6. Be Patient with Healing Time
Depending on the severity, it may take one to five months for a nail to fully reattach. Consistency and care are essential.
When to See a Dermatologist
If your nails don’t improve after a few months, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist. Onycholysis can sometimes be linked to psoriasis, thyroid disease, or fungal infections. In these cases, you’ll need a medical evaluation and possibly a prescription treatment plan.
Protect Your Nails and Support Healing
Onycholysis may take time to resolve, but with the right care, your nails can recover and grow strong again. The most important things to remember are:
- Clip nails short—don’t file.
- Never clean under a separated nail.
- Avoid nail cosmetics and removers.
- Keep nails dry and protected with gloves.
- Stay patient—healing takes time.
Healthy nails are possible with the right approach—and by giving your nails the chance to heal naturally, you’re protecting them for the long run.
If you want expert-approved nail care designed to restore natural nail health, explore dermatologist-developed treatments like the Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System, a science-backed solution for stronger, shinier, and healthier nails.
