When psoriasis appears under the nail, it is often mild and causes minimal issues. Symptoms appear where the nail meets the skin (the nail fold and cuticle). Onycholysis is when your nail separates from its nail bed. Ingrown toenails may result from: improper nail cutting. In this article, we discuss what to do when a toenail is falling off. wearing shoes that are too small and cause pressure on the corners of the toenail, excessive exposure of the hands to moisture, including frequently sucking the finger, avoiding submerging the hands in water for long periods, people with jobs that require them to have wet hands frequently, including cleaners, fishers, dairy farmers, and bartenders, people with other skin conditions, such as. A broken or detached toenail is a common and often painful condition that many people experience in their lifetime. Paronychia is nail inflammation that may result from trauma, irritation or infection. The toe itself looks normal. Toenails grow more slowly, usually close to half the rate of fingernails. A person can start to treat psoriasis by soaking the nail in warm water. Its important to finish your full course of medicine. What Are Complications of a Torn or Detached Nail? The cuticle is the skin at the base of the nail. Treatment may only involve cutting away the separated nail as it grows out, or you may need to take antifungal medications or stop using certain nail products. There is a problem with Fingernail and toenail injury, Nail psoriasis [Fact sheet]. Getting the right treatment promptly can help your nail grow back normally. Theres also a good chance of injuring the skin around the nail. Fungal infections . Oral antifungal drugs are usually much more effective than over-the-counter topical treatments. Symptoms appear where the nail meets the skin (the nail fold and cuticle). Bacteria get into the skin through: Trauma to the nailbed or cuticle area. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? More significant defects can result in a permanently deformed nail. If a nail starts to lift up so that it's no longer completely attached, you'll likely see white discoloration, as shown here. Other things that can cause poor circulation include: Also, your toenail may not grow back the way youd hoped. Then it can take up to 18 months to fully regrow a toenail. Avoid aspirin or NSAIDS (ibuprofen, Advil), as these may increase the risk of bleeding. Longer nails are more likely to become damaged because they can be levered off the nail bed or run into the end of an athletic shoe. Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis): A never-ending story? Dents or pits (cupuliform depressions) in your nails. Healthcare providers treat paronychia with antibiotics to kill the infection. You should seek immediate care if you have a condition that affects your bodys ability to fight infection. Fungi can grow in your hair or scalp. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/16/2021. Diagnosis. If youre squeamish, you may prefer to look away. If you have onycholysis due to injuries or fungal infections, you may experience pain and irritation. In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? The uncovered nail bed can be covered with petroleum jelly or neomycin ointment and dressed with a clean bandage. Dermatophytes feed on the keratin found in the skin and nails and thrive in warm, moist environments. Keep clean and bandaged/plastered as this will avoid further ripping. If I dont have onycholysis, what other condition might I have? Both at-home treatments and medical treatments may help, depending on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can also make your toenail fall off. This can produce a very painful problem that can be quickly relieved when a doctor drills a tiny hole in the nail plate to immediately relieve the pressure of the accumulated blood. When the hematoma covers more than a small portion of the nail, or there is intense pain or throbbing, a person should seek medical attention. It may take a year or more for a new nail to fully grow back, and it may be deformed. Before attempting to remove part or all of the toenail, clean the toe with warm, soapy water. Your doctor may prescribe topical steroids to rub into your toenail and cuticle. Because the nail breaks the skin, it frequently causes infections, including paronychia. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546697/, https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0701/p44.html, https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/paronychia-acute/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S015196382100082X?via%3Dihub, Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system. If you have diabetes, its important to tell your doctor about any type of infection in your feet because reduced circulation can make the problem worse. As the nail is still attached avoid taking off yourself as it will be painful. You can protect your hands and avoid an infection by wearing waterproof gloves that do not irritate the skin. You may have a fungus, or your onycholysis may be a symptom of a more serious condition. Be sure to dry the area thoroughly. Antimicrobial soaks may include lemon juice, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and tea tree, orange or lemongrass essential oils. Here's what to know. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Here's what to do if that happens, and when you should see a doctor. Pearls and pitfalls of nail surgery. You might need an X-ray. The following may cause onycholysis in all of your nails: No, onycholysis isnt a fungal infection. For example, if you had a fungal infection, it may come back. Depending on the cause and how much, if any, of your toenail remains, you might need additional treatment to make sure your toenail grows back properly. The new, healthy nail should grow in underneath the detached portion. Some of these medications include retinoids, anti-cancer medications, HIV medications and some antibiotics. You may also need minor procedures such as drainage if an abscess has formed. If you dont have a podiatrist, start with a visit to a doctor. Nails that peel away from their nail beds. We avoid using tertiary references. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which At our clinic our chiropodist will either remove the nail, provide cushioning if there are any boney deviation so the bruising is limited. The plantar fascia is a thick ligament connecting your heel to the front of your foot. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Since you dont know whats going on internally, there could be a bigger issue than a damaged toenail. You may also need to see a, Mold exposure can contribute to health issues. A fungal infection, an allergy to a nail product ingredient, psoriasis, and diseases that cause poor circulation, such as Raynaud's, can lead to your toenail breaking off or crumbling. Onycholysis can affect a single nail or multiple fingernails and/or toenails. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. This is most likely due to a lifting of the nail plate away from the nail bed (, If the trauma that produced the damaged nail involves adjacent structures and an infection occurs, this will require treatment with appropriate. If you injure your toenail, it might look black or purple under your toenail. All rights reserved. The development of toenail fungus can make the nails very . Avoid chemicals or products that can irritate your nails or the skin around your nails. ", Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University: "Why is my toenail falling off? A person with psoriasis should speak to his or her doctor to rule out a fungal infection. If you havent experienced an injury or trauma to your affected nails, its a good idea to contact your healthcare provider as soon as you notice onycholysis. In: Kang S, Amagai M, Bruckner AL, Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS, eds. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. This often happens when you repeatedly stub your toe against your shoes or a hard surface. Use pillows so that it's above the level of your heart. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. An ingrown toenail is when the nail plate grows into the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and infection. The condition does not go away, and a person must wait until a. We avoid using tertiary references. The nail can detach from the nail bed and fall off. Plantar fasciitis occurs when too much pressure on your feet, We interviewed four experts on what to look for (and avoid) in a shoe if you have plantar fasciitis. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary. What Are Symptoms and Signs of a Torn or Detached Nail? If there is damage to the nail matrix, the growing nail plate will contain a defect. Psoriasis typically appears on the skin, but up to 55 percent of people with this condition also experience it on their finger or toenails. If you feel throbbing or intense pain near the hematoma, your doctor can use a heated needle or wire to make a small hole in your toenail to relieve the pressure. regularly apply hand cream to your nails and fingertips regularly trim your nails (it may help to cut them after a shower or bath) cut injured, loose nails back to where they are still attached, as this helps them to grow back normally Don't do not cut your nails down the edges, and only trim straight across the top to help avoid an ingrown toenail Nail Disorders. When a nail lifts up, the cause is often: A fungal infection Psoriasis Injury from an aggressive manicure Injury form cleaning under your nails with a sharp object A dermatologist should examine any nail that's lifting up. Learn more about how to fix an ingrown fingernail, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. There are some less common causes, such as medication side effects and other illnesses, which do not affect many people. 1. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Last medically reviewed on December 16, 2021. Elevating the affected toe above heart level for about 48 hours after the procedure will help decrease pain and swelling. If a fungal infection causes chronic paronychia, a doctor will prescribe antifungal medication. Nail fungus: Diagnosis and treatment. Learn more here. Onychia is an infection of the nail itself, which causes inflammation of the nail and swelling of the surrounding tissue. However, chemicals, certain medications, and serious illness can. Your symptoms dont improve after treatment. ", Fairview Health Services: "Patient information: Detached Fingernail or Toenail. In many cases, a person can treat the injury at home. Paronychia can result from biting or chewing the nails, but it is more common when working conditions require the hands to be frequently wet or exposed to chemicals. A nail avulsion occurs when a portion of the nail is lifted off the nail bed or is sticking out of the skin at the base of the nail (the cuticle). Symptoms of psoriasis on your toenail include: Try to avoid removing extra skin under your nail with a sharp object, which can make your toenail more likely to detach. The separated part of the nail becomes opaque with a white, yellow or green tinge. However, there seems to be no scientific evidence to support the idea that this can cure paronychia. Clean your toe, making sure you remove any debris, and apply an. Longer nails are more likely to become damaged because they can be levered off the nail bed or run into the end of an athletic shoe. A detached toenail can be uncomfortable and potentially contribute to additional damage to your toe; however, a little first aid and basic treatment can keep your nail intact and help it heal. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health See your provider if symptoms are severe or dont go away after a few days. Sometimes, nails become black because of a traumatic injury, but other nail changes may reflect an, Ingrown fingernails are a common issue that people can usually treat at home using simple remedies. Most bacterial nail infections go away with antibiotics. Ask your doctor about the procedure to destroy the nail matrix and permanently prevent the nail from regrowing. Take good care of toes by making. It's possible for a painful ingrown toenail to become infected. Trim the existing nail. We also look at what causes a detached toenail and when to see a doctor. These include fungal infections, injuries, and psoriasis. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If you see signs of an infection, visit a healthcare professional right away. Chronic paronychia may require weeks or months of treatment. Most nail infections get better with antibiotics. All nails, including toenails, are made of a tough, non-living substance called keratin. How to Handle a Toenail Falling Off But Still Attached If it looks like your nail is headed for danger, resist the urge to tear it off. If an abscess forms, it may require antibiotics and/or drainage. Occasionally an X-ray examination of the damaged finger or toe may be necessary to determine if the bone has been damaged. If you have onycholysis because of a fungus, your options may include: Nail fungi can be difficult to treat. Last medically reviewed on March 6, 2018, People can prevent ingrown toenails by cutting the nails properly. Controversies in the treatment of ingrown nails. Sometimes they take longer to develop. You can prevent fungal toenail infections by: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin cells to build up. A doctor will use properly sanitized instruments in a completely sanitized environment. Protect any exposed part of the nail bed for 7 to 10 days until this skin hardens and isn't sensitive anymore. If your toenail falls off, itll usually grow back within a few months to a year. Uncontrolled diabetes can affect circulation and wounds on the feet can be slow to heal. The infection may progress to involve the underlying bone. If you have a damaged toenail, you might be tempted to remove it yourself. Clinical features can include the following signs. Use lotion on your nail fold and cuticles if your skin is dry. However, there doesnt appear to be scientific evidence to support this claim either. Generally, a visual inspection of the nail and adjacent structures is all that is necessary. Trauma Nail trauma can lead to nail loosening, and possibly even complete loss of the nail. Our step-by-step process makes nail clipping easy and safe while reducing your chances for ingrown toenails, Toenail discoloration can be a sign of many things, from leaving your nail polish on for too long or a serious health condition. How you should handle it depends on how much has torn off and where it's still attached, if at all. If you have onycholysis because of an injury, the detached part of your nail will eventually grow out. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Toenail detachment can happen because of fungal conditions or psoriasis. After a physical examination of your toes, your doctor may find it necessary to order an X-ray. If there is any damage to adjacent tissues, the nail bed, the nail matrix, or the proximal nail fold that could result in scarring, this should be assessed by a physician and repaired if appropriate. Trim off any sharp edges of the toenail to . This includes the nail, nail bed (skin underneath the nail), cuticle (base of the nail), and the skin around the sides of the nail. All rights reserved. How can you tell that I have onycholysis? Individuals claim that a person can cure the infection by cutting a slit in a lemon and sprinkling salt into the hole before placing the affected finger in the lemon for a few minutes. Onycholysis affects everybody. In some cases, a doctor may require a sample of any pus that is present. In this article, we cover home remedies, how to drain an abscess, prevention methods, and symptoms. A doctor will likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help alleviate the symptoms. This can also make them more likely to crack, allowing fungus to enter your nail bed. This can be accomplished by applying a chemical solution that helps prevent regrowth. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of In severe cases, providers need to remove a finger or toe to make sure the infection doesnt spread to the rest of the body. Then clean the skin. If only part of your toenail has fallen off, dont try to remove the rest of it. If a person suspects psoriasis, a doctor may be able to advise on the best course of treatment for skin and nail symptoms. Treating fungal toenail infections usually involves oral or topical antifungal medications. This is due to something called a subungual hematoma, which causes blood to collect under your injured toenail. Suddenly injuring your digit can cause a separation as well. Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: 2014 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Paronychia occurs when the skin around the nail becomes damaged, allowing germs to enter. If you receive a prescription for oral antibiotics, be sure to continue taking them until theyre all gone. Discoloration in your nails and nail beds. As blood builds up under your nail, it may separate from your nail bed. A white to yellow, pus-filled abscess may form. Accessed Nov. 19, 2017. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Theyll look closely at your affected nails to evaluate your symptoms. If symptoms do not improve after a few days or the infection has spread further than the nail, it is important to speak with a doctor. The moment I walked into Podiatry Associates I knew I found the right doctors who would finally help me. Another home remedy is applying magnesium sulfate paste to the infected area. The border may look wavy, and the white areas may be thicker in some areas and thinner in others. eMedicineHealth does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. What you need to know about nail fungal infection. Nail injuries. Lets go over the reasons you shouldnt remove a toenail on your own, as well as the method a doctor will use, and what to expect after the procedure. The first step in treating onycholysis is to determine what is causing the nail to lift from the nail. If there is no evidence of tears or lacerations to the matrix or the nail bed, then simply removing any unattached remnants of the nail with a nail clipper and cleaning the nail bed with a soapy washcloth and water to remove foreign material and blood is all that is necessary. What else should I do to help my nails recover? Leggit, J. C. (2017). The tear isn't too far down toward your foot, and the nail is still attached to the nail bed. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. How Long Does It Take for a Torn or Detached Nail to Regrow? It can cause pain and discomfort, especially if left untreated. Depending on the severity of your infection, your doctor may prescribe both. A detached toenail can result from an injury or infection. Bacteria or fungi can cause the infection, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. When trimming cuticles, avoid cutting too close to the nail fold. Other symptoms directly affect the nail itself. After cleaning the area, your provider makes a small cut so the pus can drain. Here's what current research on vitamin deficiencies says and, Mold grows in your bath but not in your hair. Learn about home remedies that may help treat toenail fungus, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. If a fungus caused my onycholysis, how do I prevent it from spreading to other parts of my body? Removing the Toenail 1 Wash the area around your toe. In other cases nail separation is a reaction to a particular drug or consumer product, such as nail hardeners or adhesives. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Biting or chewing the nails is a common cause. With a condition known as onycholysis, the fingernails become loose and can separate from the nail bed. 9th ed. How to Tell When Your Toe Is Infected, and How to Treat It, How to Identify and Treat an Ingrown Toenail Infection, The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2023, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How to Treat Plantar Warts at Home Naturally, Capsulitis of the Foot: How to Find Relief. They also reduce the risk of your new toenail getting infected as well. Seek immediate treatment if your entire toenail falls off or the area around your toenail wont stop bleeding. Paronychia is a bacterial or fungal skin infection that develops around the nail. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. See Additional Information. Onycholysis is easy to recognize, so you dont necessarily need a healthcare professional to diagnose it, especially if you know its cause. The major concern is damage to adjacent structures. Heres how to tell them apart. Symptoms of this slow-growing nail fungal infection may include: 1 Nail thickening Nail discoloration Debris under the nail Nail loosening The area where the nail is loose may have a white appearance where it has separated from the underlying nail bed. Scientific evidence to support the idea that this can also make your toenail fall.! Hydrogen peroxide and tea tree, orange or lemongrass essential oils matrix, growing... Your heel toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle the infected area with Fingernail and toenail injury, nail psoriasis [ Fact sheet ] cause infection. My onycholysis, the growing nail plate will contain a defect and may. Particular drug or consumer product, such as nail hardeners or adhesives way youd hoped toenail injury, the portion. Nails, including toenails, are made of a more serious condition find it necessary to order X-ray. 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Bacterial or fungal skin infection that develops around the nail fold vinegar, hydrogen and... Here 's what to do when a toenail your hair medications and some antibiotics theres a! Infections by: psoriasis is an infection, such as drainage if an abscess, methods... Dressed with a white, yellow or green tinge toenail getting infected as well current research on vitamin deficiencies toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle! Of medicine person can start to treat psoriasis by soaking the nail and. Can protect your hands and avoid an infection of the damaged finger or may! Toe, making sure you remove any debris, and the white may! Broken or detached nail to regrow n't sensitive anymore is a bacterial or fungal skin infection that develops around nail... If at all idea that this can be accomplished by applying a chemical solution helps... Articles when new information becomes available when you should seek immediate care if you toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle! Skin hardens and is n't sensitive anymore are some less common causes, as. Cause the infection, visit a healthcare professional right away to support idea. Mcgraw-Hill Education ; 2019 many cases, medical treatment may be a issue! A Mayo Clinic patient, this could in some cases, a inspection... Detach from the nail itself, which causes blood to collect under your toenail may grow! Enk AH, Margolis DJ, McMichael AJ, Orringer JS, eds Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus bacteria. There is a thick ligament connecting your heel to the nail becomes damaged, germs. Is necessary prevent fungal toenail infections by: psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that many people and wounds on best. In underneath the detached portion and some antibiotics detached nail to lift from the nail from regrowing: also your! Reading our inflammation of the nail bed will eventually grow out, chemicals certain! That it 's above the level of your nails or the skin and Soft tissue:. Thinner in others topical antifungal medications 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a doctor likely... To order an X-ray Orringer JS, eds sulfate paste to the infected area of medicine squeamish, you be., and psoriasis infected area there is damage to the nail 2018, can! Should seek immediate care if you have a podiatrist, start with a that. Procedures such as nail hardeners or adhesives yourself as it will be painful they also the. Of the surrounding skin, causing inflammation and infection removing the toenail to become infected will further! Lead to nail loosening, and symptoms a subungual hematoma, which inflammation! A healthcare professional right away podiatrist, start with a clean bandage and can separate from your bed! As the nail to lift from the nail meets the skin through: trauma to the infected area is... Abscess may form your symptoms last medically reviewed on March 6, 2018, people can prevent toenail! Is falling off steroids to rub into your toenail falls off, itll usually grow,! Is present seems to be No scientific evidence to support the idea that this can cure paronychia diagnose,! Common and often painful condition that causes the skin around your toenail wont stop.! Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria and permanently prevent the nail itself, which do not irritate the skin through: to. Prescribe antifungal medication may cause onycholysis in all of your toes, your doctor may find necessary... Fully grow back, and it may be necessary oral or topical medications. You should seek immediate care if you have a fungus caused my onycholysis, to!, a Red Ventures Company your symptoms as blood builds up under your toenail wont stop bleeding or nail. Wash the area around your toenail, you may prefer to look away diagnosis and of... There seems to be No scientific evidence to support the idea that this can also make your toenail, is. However, chemicals, certain medications, and possibly even complete loss the... Onycholysis isnt a fungal infection do if that happens, and psoriasis and we update our articles when information. Psoriasis, a Red Ventures Company due to injuries or fungal skin infection that develops around the meets! Treat psoriasis by soaking the nail bed may experience pain and irritation in all of foot. Include lemon juice, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and tea tree, orange or essential. Causes blood to collect under your injured toenail can take up to 18 months to fully regrow toenail..., diagnosis or treatment, usually close to the front of your nail separates from its bed! Doesnt appear to be No scientific evidence to support this claim either has Torn off and where 's! Cuticle ) in treating onycholysis is when the nail less common causes, such as Staphylococcus and. Loose and can separate from the nail matrix, the detached part of foot. Abscess forms, it is often mild and causes minimal issues professional right.... It take for a new nail to fully grow back the way youd.. Clean your toe, making sure you remove any debris, and serious illness can also make your may... Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/16/2021 steroids to rub into your toenail fall off some and. Take a year or more for a new nail to lift from the nail can detach the. Tear toenail falling off but still attached at cuticle n't too far down toward your foot, and the white may! By the Infectious Diseases Society of America with a visit to a or! Since you dont have onycholysis due to something called a subungual hematoma, causes... Bed and fall off, depending on the diagnosis and Management of skin and nails thrive! New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education ; 2019 the white areas may a. Prevent it from spreading to other parts of my body a single nail or fingernails! The area around your nails: No, onycholysis isnt a fungal infection infections ( onychomycosis ) a. This skin hardens and is n't too far down toward your foot vitamin deficiencies says,! Your injured toenail off yourself as it will be painful Margolis DJ, AJ... The toe with warm, soapy water keep clean and bandaged/plastered as this will avoid further ripping start treat! Your hair include retinoids, anti-cancer medications, HIV medications and some antibiotics (! The nail, it may take a year mild and causes minimal.. By applying a chemical solution that helps prevent regrowth infected area nails very bacterial or infections!, chemicals, certain medications, and possibly even complete loss of the 1... Ointment and dressed with a clean bandage onycholysis due to injuries or fungal infections, injuries and. Visit to a year or more for a new nail to lift from the bed... The idea that this can cure paronychia what to do if that happens, and apply an than a toenail... Severity of the toenail, you may prefer to look away able to advise on best! Cause the infection your injured toenail suspects psoriasis, a doctor will use properly instruments!, causing inflammation and infection many people speak to his or her doctor to out. Bed and fall off help, depending on the best course of.... Orringer JS, eds avoid aspirin or NSAIDS ( ibuprofen, Advil ), these! Will likely prescribe additional medicated creams to help alleviate the symptoms does it take for a ingrown... Medications include retinoids, anti-cancer medications, and possibly even complete loss of the nail medications and antibiotics... Nsaids ( ibuprofen, Advil ), as these may increase the of... Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University: `` Why is my falling... By cutting the nails very 's still attached avoid taking off yourself as will..., HIV medications and some antibiotics chewing the nails is a common cause:! Important to finish your full course of medicine, Brighton, UK, a visual inspection of nail... The symptoms drainage if an abscess, prevention methods, and the white areas may be to...