Understanding Onycholysis: Common Causes and Symptoms | What's Inside Matters

With increasing cases of Onycholysis and nail allergies from ingredients in certain nail products along with improper product application practices, it is important to understand the implications of using products that contain these potentially harmful ingredients and the symptoms that can arise because of them. 

Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail becomes separated from the nail bed, resulting in the appearance of a gap or space between the two. There are several potential causes of onycholysis, including:

1. Fungal infections: Fungal infections, such as dermatophyte infections, are a common cause of onycholysis. The fungus can weaken the bond between the nail and the nail bed, causing the nail to become separated.

2. Trauma: Trauma to the nail, such as from biting the nails or picking at the cuticles, can also cause onycholysis.

3. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause onycholysis due to the rapid turnover of skin cells in affected areas.

4. Thyroid disorders: Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can cause onycholysis due to changes in the body's metabolism.

5. Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to nail polish, gel polish, nail polish removers, and other nail care products can cause onycholysis.

It is important to follow product use instructions and avoid continual skin contact of nail products to minimize the risk of onycholysis. Some ingredients in various gel polishes and gel nail products can lead to increases in Onycholysis. These ingredients, when in high concentrations, are not wholly responsible but are fairly common:

• HEMA monomer
• HEA monomer
• HPA monomer
• IBOA

This is why is it so important to use high-quality nail products that are free of these potentially harmful ingredients to protect Nail Professionals and their clients from long term damage and over exposure.

Light Elegance nail products are responsibly manufactured from scratch in the US and are always free of these potentially harmful ingredients such as HEMA Monomer and IBOA to ensure less allergenic formulations for nail professionals and their clients. 

As always, proper product application techniques, adequate curing and using products only as directed are always advised for the ultimate safety of nail pros and clients.

Shop LE's HEMA Free gel products now

You can learn more about what's inside your gel nail products from Head Chemist and Co-Owner of LE, Jim McConnell.