Suggest Treatment For Onycholysis

Posted on Wed, 20 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 Answered on

Tue, 16 Feb 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a thumb nail that is separating from the base. I have seen my family doctor about it and he said to be patient, that it will fall off eventually. I DO NOT know how to post a photo of it. I am not really concerned about it but was wondering if it would hurt to soak it in some peroxide to dislodge any dirt that may be there. I understand that I should not try to clean it with something such as a nail file.

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Peroxide should be ok.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Ms. Angell,

I think a soak in peroxide is ok. The only problem with peroxide is that it can be irritating to the skin, but if you are used to using it and know the effects, this should be ok.

I hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar