If you’ve noticed that one of your toenails seems to be lifting up from the nail bed, you’re not alone. A lifted toenail can cause pain and discomfort, not to mention look a little strange.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: A toenail can lift up due to trauma, fungal infections, psoriasis, reactive arthritis, skin cancer or other underlying medical conditions<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Mild cases can be treated at home with moisturizer and trimming, but severe cases may require medical intervention.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore all of the possible causes of a lifted toenail, when you need to see a doctor, and the best at-home remedies and medical treatments available.<\/p>\n
In the early stages of a lifting toenail, you may notice some subtle changes in the appearance of your nail. Here are some of the early signs to look out for:<\/p>\n
These early changes often begin at the tip or sides of the nail and then spread. You may also notice some redness or swelling of the skin around the nail. As the problem progresses, the lifted part of the nail can catch on socks or snag on bed sheets.<\/p>\n
While not particularly dangerous at this stage, a lifting toenail can cause discomfort. Seeking treatment early on can help prevent more severe lifting and potential infection.<\/p>\n
Over time, if left untreated, a lifting toenail can become a severe problem. Here is what to expect as the condition advances:<\/p>\n
In severe cases, the nail can lift all the way back and completely detach from the nail bed. The underlying skin may be left raw and vulnerable to bacteria. Treating the infection is crucial to prevent cellulitis, a potentially serious skin infection.<\/p>\n
Leaving an advanced lifting toenail untreated can result in chronic pain, impaired mobility and ongoing nail problems. Seeing a podiatrist right away is recommended.<\/p>\n
Injury or trauma to the toenail or toe can cause the nail to separate and lift away from the nail bed. This includes stubbing your toe, dropping something on your toe, tight shoes causing pressure damage, and ingrown toenails.<\/p>\n
The trauma damages the nail matrix (where the nail grows from) or nail bed, leading to abnormal nail growth and lifting.<\/p>\n
A fungal nail infection<\/a> (onychomycosis) is another common cause of nail lifting. The fungi feed on keratin, gradually destroying the nail. As the infection progresses, the nail can become discolored, thick or brittle, and start to lift away.<\/p>\n Fungal infections account for around 50% of toenail lifting cases.<\/p>\n Skin conditions like psoriasis<\/a> and eczema can also lead to nail changes. Up to 50% of people with psoriasis get psoriatic nail disease, causing pitting, crumbling and lifting of the nail. It creates an abnormal nail matrix, so the nail does not attach properly as it grows out.<\/p>\n Reactive arthritis is joint inflammation following certain bacterial infections. Around 2-26% of reactive arthritis cases involve the toenails. It causes pain, swelling and eventual lifting and shedding of the nail.<\/p>\n While rare, nail melanoma<\/a> (a serious skin cancer) can also lift nails off the nail bed. Early changes to look for are nail fractures, dark streaks in the nail, and areas of pigmentation. As it advances, the nail can detach and thicken.<\/p>\n Other less common causes of nail lifting include:<\/p>\n Sometimes, nails lift without an obvious cause. It’s important to consult your doctor if the lifting is significant or causes pain. Leaving nail lifting untreated risks more serious infection entering the space between nail and nail bed.<\/p>\n A lifting toenail can be uncomfortable and even painful. But when is it time to see a doctor? Here are some guidelines on when to seek professional medical care for a lifting toenail:<\/p>\n If the area under or around the lifted nail becomes red, swollen, and tender, it could signal an infection. Other symptoms of an infected nail include:<\/p>\n Infections require prescription antibiotic treatment from a doctor to clear up. Left untreated, the infection can spread and possibly lead to loss of the nail.<\/p>\n Frequent nail lifting can be a sign of diabetes. High blood sugar levels in those with diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves in the toes and feet. This disruption in circulation can cause nails to separate from the nail bed.<\/p>\n Anyone noticing recurring toenail lifting should get tested for diabetes, especially if they have other risk factors like being overweight or having a family history of diabetes.<\/p>\n Trauma like dropping something on your toe or stubbing it can cause a hematoma (blood blister) to form under the nail. Large hematomas put pressure on the nail, causing it to lift away from the bed.<\/p>\n See a doctor if the hematoma is large or very painful. They may drain the area to relieve pressure on the toenail and reduce pain.<\/p>\n Changes in nail color or texture along with detachment from the nail bed could indicate a more serious underlying nail condition. These include:<\/p>\n A dermatologist can examine the nail and surrounding skin for signs of these disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment can help resolve these problems before lasting damage to the nail occurs.<\/p>\n A lifted nail that causes constant discomfort or interferes with daily activities warrants medical care. The doctor can trim and smooth the detached part of the nail. They may also suggest adhesive bandages or dental cement to secure the nail in place while it grows out.<\/p>\n Severe cases that are very painful or interfere with walking may require partial nail removal. This provides relief while the nail regrows in a normal pattern.<\/p>\n Keeping the toenail and surrounding skin moisturized can help prevent further lifting or cracking. Apply a moisturizer like petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or hypoallergenic hand cream 1-2 times per day, gently massaging it into the nail, nail bed, and skin around the toes.<\/p>\n The moisturizer helps retain moisture and flexibility in the nail.<\/p>\n Gently filing or trimming the lifted part of the nail can help reduce snagging and further lifting. Use an emery board or nail file to carefully smooth<\/b> rough edges or catchy areas on the nail. Trim hanging nails back to where they are still attached.<\/p>\n Be very gentle, stopping if there is any pain or bleeding which could worsen inflammation.<\/p>\n According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), proper toenail trimming technique is important for preventing ingrown toenails. The AAD recommends cutting toenails straight across and avoiding rounding off the edges or digging into corners.<\/p>\n Protecting the lifted nail from further trauma can encourage healing and reattachment to the nail bed. Bandages, tape, or small foam pads placed over the nail cushion it from friction inside shoes. Change bandages daily to keep the area clean.<\/p>\n Wearing clean, well-fitted shoes and socks that minimize pressure on affected toes also helps decrease irritation. Using shoe inserts provides additional cushioning and support for sensitive nails.<\/p>\n If pain persists despite home treatment, see a podiatrist or dermatologist to treat the underlying cause. In rare cases, a severely lifted nail may need to be removed surgically so a new nail can grow in properly attached.<\/p>\nPsoriasis<\/h3>\n
Reactive Arthritis<\/h3>\n
Skin Cancer<\/h3>\n
Other Causes<\/h3>\n
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When to See a Doctor About a Lifting Toenail<\/h2>\n
Signs of Infection<\/h3>\n
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Diabetes Risk<\/h3>\n
Injury to the Nail<\/h3>\n
Nail Abnormalities or Disorders<\/h3>\n
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Persistent Pain<\/h3>\n
Home Treatments for Lifting Toenails<\/h2>\n
Moisturize the Nail<\/h3>\n
Carefully Trim the Nail<\/h3>\n
Protect the Nail<\/h3>\n