Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD Onycholysis happens when your fingernail or toenail separates from its nail bed.

Distal phototoxic onycholysis and discoloration of the nails are known rare (1:1000) adverse effects of tetracyclines, and this should be explained whenever these substances are prescribed.

In addition, onycholysis of the distal and lateral parts of the nail plate is observed. Also called chloronychia, it is characterized by onycholysis or nail separation from the underlying nail bed ...

However, onycholysis and shedding of nail plate may ... and a Telfa dressing should be applied prior to bandaging the distal digit firmly. Philip R. Cohen, MD, is a Mohs Micrographic Surgery ...