There is nothing more painful than a nail falling from the nail bed; at least, this is how those who have experienced it describe it. However, we find it hard to agree with them that this could be the most painful experience ever.
In reality, nail loss is a genuine problem. It makes even the simplest tasks more difficult and painful, in addition to the distortion and unsightly appearance of our hands when nails fall off. Nevertheless, it is important for us to understand the reasons behind this issue, not only because it can help us prevent future occurrences but also to determine the best treatment options.
### Causes of Nail Loss
**Common Causes of Nail Loss:**
1. **Injuries:** Severe injuries to the fingers can damage your nails, often leading to nails falling from the nail bed over time. This is truly an unbearable experience; however, anyone can sustain such injuries, which are relatively more common among athletes involved in sports like volleyball and basketball.
2. **Fungal Nail Infections:** Fungal nail infections can be one of the main causes of nail loss because many fungi can cause nail infections. Once your nail gets infected, its appearance is likely to change, starting with a color change, followed by damage leading to severe pain and eventual loss.
3. **Onychia Disorder:** Onychia is a disorder affecting the nails, often caused by viruses and bacteria. It can affect both adults and children, leading to inflammation of the nail bed tissues and sometimes also affecting the tissues around the nail root. According to experts, a person may contract this disorder when a virus, bacteria, or other pathogenic microorganisms enter these tissues through wounds and injuries. The affected area may develop pus around and beneath the nail root, ultimately resulting in nail loss.
4. **Other Causes:** There can be many relatively uncommon causes of nail loss, sometimes stemming from serious medical conditions and skin diseases. Therefore, consulting a qualified dermatologist or healthcare expert is crucial if you notice anything unusual with your nails. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies or severe vitamin shortages can also lead to nail loss, and individuals undergoing chemotherapy may experience nail loss due to various medications or toxins.
### Treatment and Management of Nail Loss
Natural treatments are often the best solution when it comes to healing and pain relief. Treatment typically involves removing the nail and keeping the affected area dry to prevent any further infections. Precautionary measures should be taken until your nail grows back. During this time, treating the underlying condition that may have caused the nail loss in the first place is of utmost importance.
