What Causes Fingernails to Lift Off the Nail Bed?

A person whose fingernails have been lifted off the nail bed could be suffering from a condition called onycholysis, which is caused by overzealous manicure, repetitive trauma and prolonged use of water. The condition usually occurs slowly and does not cause any pain.

Trauma is the main cause of fingernails getting lifted from the nail bed. Some conditions that have been linked to onycholysis include psoriasis, overactive thyroid gland and fungal infections. Treatment of this condition depends on its cause. It is always a good idea to trim the affected nail to reduce its size, as stated by Drugs.com. This condition can be prevented by wearing gloves when using water for an extended period of time and avoiding frequent use of harsh chemicals.