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Q: 

Lots of dents in one of my fingernails.

By Anonymous November 2, 2014 - 1:31pm
 
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This recently started just approximately month ago when it started show up as my cuticle created newer fingernail sheet, until it finally filled the whole surface.
There is a lot of clusters of dents and they look like line streaks that kind of form like a horizontal ) with the curved side facing towards the tip of my finger, but they're not across the whole fingernail just little groups dents that form into it in many streaks on the fingernail.
It's ugliness causes me concerns.

I also read in other places i found on the internet that it could be associated with nutritional or vitamin deficiency and psoriasis.
What nutrients should I load my body with? What vitamins should I take also? right now, I take vitamin C supplements. I'm sure there are more i should load my body up with to help grow healthy beautiful fingernails.
As for psoriasis, If I have it, how do i make it disappear?! I know it is a genetic thing and there is no particular cure but treatments.
If this is the case, what can I do as prevention to avoid the growth of these clusters of dents in the rest of my fingernails? Or, general prevention for this?

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Guide

 

HI Anonymous and welcome to EmpowHER.

Fingernails can be an excellent barometer of overall health. In many cases, changes in the appearance of fingernails can be the first sign of an undiagnosed medical problem such as a circulatory problem, iron deficiency anemia or thyroid disease. Such signs as ridges in the fingernails, discolorations and changes in the contours of the nail base can be important signs of illness.

Vertical nail ridges are seen rather commonly and usually are not signs of serious illness. On the other hand, horizontal nail ridges may indicate the presence of an underlying illness or medical condition, although this is not always the case. Horizontal nail ridges run from one side of the nail lengthwise across to the other side. One special type of horizontal nail ridge that may indicate underlying illness is called Beau’s lines.

Beau’s lines give horizontal, deeply grooved ridges in the nails which may be slightly darkened in appearance. There are a variety of causes for these distinctive ridges including a previous injury to the nail bed, malnutrition, certain medications, and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. The ridge which characterizes Beau’s lines occurs when growth of the nail is temporarily arrested due to an underlying illness, nutritional or metabolic problem. If you have this type of horizontal nail ridge, see your doctor right away.

Sometimes the growth of the nail is briefly interrupted due to more common factors such as brief changes in nutritional status or slight trauma to the nail matrix. This can result in the formation of horizontal nail ridges secondary to brief interruptions in nail growth. These are usually not a cause for concern, although it would be advisable to consult with your doctor if you have obvious horizontal nail ridges since they can be a sign of nutritional deficiency or other underlying disease.

Here are some tips to keep your nails healthy:

• Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when using soap and water for prolonged periods or when using harsh chemicals
• Avoid long soaks in the tub
• Repair fingernail splits or tears with nail glue or clear polish
• Use nail polish remover no more than twice a month. If you polish your nails, touch up the polish in the meantime. When you do use nail polish remover, avoid those that contain acetone
• Limit manicures
• Rub moisturizing lotion into your fingernails after washing your hands and after removing nail polish
• Keep your fingernails neatly trimmed. Round the tips in a gentle curve

Adopting a diet that is beneficial to your body overall will help your nails. There are some who believe that Biotin, a B vitamin, is helpful to the skin, hair and nails while others say this has not been proven.

Hope that helps,

Pam

November 2, 2014 - 2:51pm
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