Onychomadesis

Onychomadesis is a periodic idiopathic shedding of the nails beginning at its proximal end, possibly caused by the temporary arrest of the function of the nail matrix.[1]:784[2]:660

One cause in children is hand foot and mouth disease.[3] This generally resolves without complication.

Onchyomadesis can also occur if the nail is damaged or suffers a loss of blood supply, i.e. due to a bruise. The nailbed turns black, and the nail drops off shortly afterwards. It takes around 6 to 12 months to regrow.

See also

References

  1. James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
  2. Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
  3. Bernier et al. Nail matrix arrest in the course of hand, foot and mouth disease. European Journal of Pediatrics. 2001-11-01. http://www.springerlink.com/content/724986cp5hudgupd/