Onycholysis

System: Skin & Nail Signs · All skin & nail signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

The nail separates painlessly from the nail bed, starting at the free edge, leaving a white or yellowish area.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with psoriasis, fungal nail infection, thyroid disease and some medicines and chemicals.

Browse the O section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.

Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.