Doctor's Notes on Torn or Detached Nail
A torn or detached nail refers to separation of a finger- or toenail from the underlying tissue bed. Medically, the separation of a nail from the nail bed is known as onycholysis. A number of different diseases and conditions can result in a detached nail, including certain infections of the nails and chronic conditions of the skin like psoriasis or eczema. Trauma or injury to the fingers or toes can also cause a torn or detached nail. Hyperthyroidism and lupus are chronic conditions affecting the whole body that can also cause nail separation.
There may not be other symptoms present along with a detached or torn nail. Sometimes the area of detachment turns white. Other possible associated symptoms depend on the exact cause and can include nail pitting, ridges on the nails, nail flaking or crumbling, or other types of discoloration or damage to the nail. Toenail or fingernail separation is generally painless.
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Broken FingerA broken finger can cause symptoms and signs of immediate pain, swelling, and in some cases deformity. A broken finger usually is caused by falls, workplace accidents, trauma such as playing sports, or punching an object. Symptoms and signs of a broken finger are immediate pain, deformation, bruising, and swelling. Home treatment for a broke finger include buddy taping and ice. Sometimes a broken finger needs medical treatment such as moving the deformity back into place or surgery. It takes about six six weeks for a broken finger to heal. Healing may take longer if complications occur such as infection.
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Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.