Onychomadesis | |
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Specialty | Dermatology |
Onychomadesis is a periodic idiopathic shedding of the nails beginning at the 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.
Onychomadesis can also occur if the nail is damaged or has a loss of blood supply; for example, due to a bruise.[citation needed] The nailbed turns black, and the nail drops off shortly afterwards. It takes around 6 to 12 months to regrow.[citation needed]