Which practice helps prevent deterioration or recurrence of onycholysis after it has cleared up?

• A. Clip the affected portion of the nail, and keep the nails short.
• B. Avoid wearing gloves during wet work.
• C. Expose nails to daily heat to speed healing.
• D. Wear light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves for wet work.

Answer: (D)

After onycholysis has cleared, the aim is to protect the nail from moisture and trauma to prevent it coming back. Wearing light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves for wet work gives both a waterproof barrier and a moisture-absorbing layer. The vinyl outer gloves prevent water and chemicals from reaching the nail, while the cotton inner gloves wick moisture away and reduce sweating and friction against the nail plate. This combination helps keep the nail bed dry and minimizes maceration and mechanical stress that could trigger a relapse.

Other options don’t offer the same protective effect. Trimming the affected portion or keeping nails very short isn’t a guaranteed preventive and can risk additional trauma or irritation. Exposing nails to daily heat isn’t a proven protective measure and can cause irritation. Not using gloves during wet work increases exposure to moisture and irritants, raising the chance of recurrence.