Disappearing nail bed refers to the shortening or narrowing of the nail bed, which is the skin underneath the nail. Treatments for disappearing nail bed may include taping, topical medication, and more.

Nails help protect fingers and toes from injury and infection. However, the nails themselves can sustain injuries and infections, which may lead to disappearing nail bed without treatment.

This article explores the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of disappearing nail bed. It also discusses treatment and how to help prevent the condition. Finally, it answers some common questions about nail health.

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Research indicates that disappearing nail bed occurs following prolongedTrusted Source untreated onycholysis, which is when the nail plate lifts and detaches from the skin underneath. The nail plate is the most visible partTrusted Source of the nail.

Some possible causes of onycholysis include:

Other causes may include:

Dermatology resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on dermatology.

A 2017 studyTrusted Source suggests that disappearing nail bed may appear as a shortened or narrowing nail bed on the fingers or toes. The nail bed may change in structure, eventually developing toe or fingerprints in some cases.

A person may also noticeTrusted Source that the nail plate shortens or narrows.

Signs of onycholysis, which can lead to disappearing nail bed, may include:

  • the nail plate lifting up
  • white discoloration on the nail plate where it is no longer attached to the nail bed
  • pain, in some cases
  • changes to the nail surface, such as pitting or crumbling
  • thickening of the skin under the nail plate
  • bleeding under the nail plate

If a person thinks they may be experiencing onycholysis or disappearing nail bed, they should contact a healthcare professional.

During the diagnostic process, a doctor may ask about a person’s medical history, which may include questions about recent nail injuries. They may also conduct a physical examination to look for color, texture, and structural changes in the nail.

A healthcare professional may want to perform a nail biopsy, in which they take a sampleTrusted Source of the nail tissue to send to a laboratory for testing. Nail tissue includes structuresTrusted Source such as the nail plate, bed, and cuticle. In some cases, they may just need to take a nail clipping.

After working out the underlying cause of the issue, the doctor will recommend appropriate treatment.

A 2023 case studyTrusted Source based on two people with disappearing nail bed found that using several treatment methods may be beneficial. These methods may include:

  • massaging the nail bed
  • applying a cream to the nail bed — the cream used in the study contained cow’s milk
  • bracing and taping the nail foldsTrusted Source, which is the skin around the edges of the nail bed and plate

Treatment for onycholysis may include:

  • avoiding the use of potential irritants such as:
    • nail polish
    • nail polish remover
    • solvents, such as nail glue
    • detergents
  • minimizing activities that may damage the nail and nail bed
  • clipping the affected portion of the nail and keeping the nail short with frequent trimming
  • using antimicrobial soaks, such as dilute vinegar, to minimize the risk of secondary infection
  • wearing gloves, including light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves for work that may cause the hands to get wet
  • taping the nail to the underlying finger or toe

These methods aim to help the new nail grow attached to the nail bed.

Depending on the exact cause of onycholysis, people may need to:

  • apply antifungal medications to the nail
  • stop taking certain medications, with a doctor’s guidance
  • follow treatment guidelines for an underlying health condition, such as psoriasis

Nails grow slowly, so a person may not immediately notice improvements. However, they should contact a doctor if symptoms worsen.

People can help prevent onycholysis and subsequent disappearing nail bed by practicing good nail care habits. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests a person can help protect their nails by:

  • keeping the nails clean and dry
  • cutting the nails straight across using sharp nail scissors or clippers
  • soaking the feet in warm salt water, if the toenails are thick and difficult to cut
  • not biting the fingernails
  • not removing the cuticles
  • filing the nails with an emery board to keep them slightly rounded at the tips and free of snags
  • not using the nails as a tool, such as for opening cans or tins
  • wearing shoes that fit properly and alternating pairs of shoes each day
  • wearing flip-flops at the pool and in public showers
  • avoiding “digging out” ingrown toenails and seeking treatment from a healthcare professional instead

What does a nail bed look like?

The nail bed is the skin underneath the nail, where the nail plate attachesTrusted Source to the skin of the finger or toe. It is usually pink in color.

What type of doctors treat nail problems?

People can speak with a range of healthcare professionals about nail problems.

A person may start by talking with a pharmacist or their primary care doctor. Sometimes, a person’s primary care doctor may refer them to a specialist, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist.

What deficiency causes nails to stop growing?

Zinc deficiency may affect nail growthTrusted Source and other aspects of nail health. Similarly, iron deficiency anemia may cause the nail plate to develop a spoon-like shape, and calcium deficiency may cause the nails to become brittleTrusted Source.

A person should not take dietary supplements without consulting a healthcare professional. Dietary supplements can interact with certain medications, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate them in the same way as medications.

Further resources

For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.

Disappearing nail bed is a condition in which the nail bed shortens and narrows. It results from prolonged untreated onycholysis, when the nail plate lifts and detaches from the skin underneath.

A doctor can determine the cause of the onycholysis and recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve applying topical medication, massaging the nail bed, and treating underlying skin conditions.

People can help prevent disappearing nail bed by practicing good nail care habits, such as trimming their nails frequently, refraining from nail biting, and filing the nails with an emery board.