Why do baby's nails fall off?

Some parents find that their baby's nails are falling off, and they are very anxious. They don't know what causes their baby's nails to fall off and are at a loss. They don't know what causes their baby's nails to fall off. Malnutrition may cause their baby's nails to fall off, and onychomycosis may also cause the nails to fall off. Babies are in the developmental stage and their bodies are relatively fragile. In addition to paying attention to nutrition on a daily basis, parents should also pay attention to their baby's physical development. If your baby's nails fall off, don't worry. There are many reasons for baby's nails to fall off. What is the reason for baby's nails to fall off? So that parents can check the cause of the disease and provide symptomatic treatment in time.

1. Malnutrition causes

The child's nail plate becomes thin and brittle, with vertical protruding edges, and the nail tips are easily torn, delaminated, and fallen off. This is mostly a manifestation of nail malnutrition, such as insufficient protein and elements such as calcium, sulfur, zinc, or vitamins A, B, and C in the diet; it is also seen in skin diseases such as lichen planus. Parents should improve their children's nutrition, have a balanced diet, and cultivate good habits in their children, not being picky or partial to certain foods. After a period of time, their children's nails will improve. Parents can also take their children to the dermatology department of a children's hospital to rule out skin diseases.

2. Causes of onychomycosis

Nail shedding is a symptom of onychomycosis. Onychomycosis is a contagious disease caused by fungi. Onychomycosis often occurs on fingers and toes, causing pain and discomfort, often manifested by symptoms such as nail loss, nail thickening, nail deformation, and nail discoloration. Since the fungus is not easy to kill, you should follow the doctor's advice and follow the course of treatment.

3. Causes of paronychia

If a child's nails are red, swollen, painful, or falling off, paronychia cannot be ruled out. Paronychia is mostly caused by minor punctures, bruises, hangnails or cutting the nails too deep, and the causative bacteria are mostly Staphylococcus aureus. Hot compress, physical therapy, external application, and use of antibiotics should be performed under the guidance of a doctor.

IV. Other factors

The reasons for children's nails falling off spontaneously include iron deficiency anemia, calcium deficiency, vitamin and trace element deficiency, malnutrition, excess selenium or lead, fungal infection, etc., which are generally more common in trace element deficiency and can cause weight loss, anorexia, susceptibility to colds, and low immunity. In addition, nails being in contact with water for too long, nails being polished or using abrasives can also cause it.

5. Notes

1. It is recommended to take your child to the hospital for a trace element test to make a clear diagnosis. You can also go to the dermatology department for a check-up to see if there is fungal infection, etc., and treat the symptoms according to the cause.

2. When a child's nail falls off, prevent local infection, avoid contact with contaminated water, and avoid excessive contact with paint from brushes/pens/crayons, etc. and detergents.

3. Eat less spicy food and more foods high in calcium (such as fish, shrimp, milk, etc.) to accelerate nail growth.

4. Soak your fingers in diluted vinegar for 5 minutes every night. This is a good way to prevent and treat nail splitting.