nail loss in toddler

I have a 21 month old boy that suddenly started having his nailbeds look as though they were lifting from the bases...mostly on his fingernails, some on toenails....Thank God, my son has never been sick (common colds, etc). I have taken him to a very reputable dermatologist in our area . He says "probably fungal, probably self limiting. As long as child is healthy otherwise and no other lesions on body, would 'just observe'. He said for definitive dx,would have to culture the nailbed and would very traumatic for my boy. We opted to let it ride for now and he sees doc again next weeek. he has lost some fingernails, and appears that he will lose some toenails too. He seems to be in no pain, nailbed is not red when nail comes off. looks healthy/pink. My son is also a twin and his sister is starting to show some ridges on her nailbeds that looked just like his when all this started.....any thoughts?


This discussion is related to Nail Loss in Toddler.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

How did this start?

Were there any signs of irritability or decrease in appetite?

Any previous illnesses prior to the manifestation of the said condition?

This sounds like a fungal infection. You have mentioned the occurrence of ridges on the nails. Ridges on the nails may suggest underlying disorders like a fungal infection, anemia and dehydration. In fungal infections however, the nails may become whitish ,yellowish and soft. They will eventually separate from the nail bed.

Continue to observe the condition. Have you sought consult with the pediatrician? I suggest that you seek consult with his pediatrician for evaluation also.