Common Causes
Soft nails caused by vitamin deficiency. If your diet is lacking in biotin (vitamin B7), onychomalacia can develop. This rare nutritional disorder can be very serious, it’s caused by a deficiency of the water-soluble B vitamin known as biotin. Sometimes, an excessive amounts of egg whites can cause vitamin B7 deficiency. The major symptoms of ...
Related Conditions
Vitamin D ensures healthy nails and reduces the risk of nail peeling and chipping, which can often be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the body which is an essential contributor to having healthy nails. Read more
What vitamin deficiency causes soft nails?
You may also be more likely to develop vitamin B12 deficiency if you have:
- Atrophic gastritis, in which your stomach lining has thinned
- Pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12
- Conditions that affect your small intestine, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite
Does vitamin D help your nails?
What Causes It?
- Aging (this is very common in older adults due to low cell turnover)
- Vitamin deficiency (especially B vitamins that promote cell growth)
- Injury or trauma to the nail
What are the causes of vitamin deficiency?
What deficiency causes soft nails?
What causes fingernails to curve down?
The term clubbing is used to describe the swelling or enlarging of the tips of the fingers, with the nails curving downwards over the tip. While some people are born with clubbing, if it develops later on it can be a symptom of lung disease, congenital heart disorders, inflammatory bowel disease or liver problems.
What deficiency causes bent nails?
Spoon nails (koilonychia) are soft nails that look scooped out. The depression usually is large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat.
How do I stop my nails from curling under?
1:2111:50FAQ: Natural Nails - Curling, Cutting & Filing | MSLP - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSometimes it's in the middle. And for the most part I've learned to deal with it but other times itMoreSometimes it's in the middle. And for the most part I've learned to deal with it but other times it can be very very frustrating. And if you want to see some additional examples.
What causes nails to grow bent?
Clubbing is when your nails thicken and curve around your fingertips, a process that generally takes years. This can be the result of low oxygen in the blood and is associated with: cardiovascular diseases. inflammatory bowel disease.
Does vitamin D deficiency affect nails?
Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the body which is an essential contributor to having healthy nails. If you find yourself with brittle and weak nails, it could mean a lack of Vitamin D.
Does B12 deficiency affect nails?
2 Nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B12 deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.
How do I make my curved nails straight?
0:2813:29Shaping a straight & curved nail tip | Tropical neon - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then after this I will blow on the the curve avoid actually a natural now and how I keep theMoreAnd then after this I will blow on the the curve avoid actually a natural now and how I keep the curve on it. So you know it's super easy you just cut your tip to your desired length.
Should nails be flat or curved?
A healthy body supports the growth of healthy nails, which should curve to the natural shape of the finger. If you look at the end of your nails you should see a rainbow-type curve, or half-moon shape, if you will. This shape is due to the fact that your finger is round and the nail naturally curves around it.
How do you get rid of pincer nails?
There is no standard treatment for pincer nail. Several treatment methods, including conservative approaches and surgical methods, are used. Surgical therapy can produce a satisfactory result in cases with severe deformity; however, that invasive approach may cause severe discomfort.
Why do my toenails curve?
Nails that curve far inward at the sides are called ingrown nails. This condition may affect the toenails and be due to wearing shoes that are too tight, particularly in the toe box. Ingrown nails may also result from cutting the nails improperly.
What does it mean when your nails are curving?
A person’s nails can say a lot about their overall health, while changes to the nails may suggest an underlying issue that needs treatment, such as nail psoriasis or Raynaud’s disease. The curving of the nails does not always indicate a cause for concern, but it may be a good idea to consult a doctor.
How do I treat psoriasis on my nails?
Treatment may involve: topical creams or ointments. light therapy. injections. oral medications.
Why do my fingers curve?
This involves the thickening of the tissue underneath the nail, causing the fingertips to become rounded and the nails to curve over them.#N#Doctors believe this results from increased blood flow to the fingertips. It can run in families and may be harmless, but it may be due to a health condition, especially if it occurs later in life.
What causes small pits in the nails?
lichen planus, an inflammatory skin condition. thyroid disorder. nail psoriasis. Small dents and pits may also appear in the nails, which may result from: eczema. psoriasis. reactive arthritis. alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that often causes hair loss.
What causes a finger to turn pale?
disorder affects the arteries, causing them to periodically narrow and block blood flow to specific body parts, usually the fingers or toes. As a result, the fingers and toes may: turn pale or white, then bluish. feel numb, cold, or painful.
When to consult a doctor about nails?
It is especially crucial for a person to consult with a healthcare professional if other symptoms are present. A doctor will identify the underlying issue and advise on the best course of treatment.
What vitamin makes your nails brittle?
Vitamin A deficiency affects the nails and makes them brittle as this type of vitamin aids the body to process proteins. Protein is the main constituent of nails; any inadequacy can make nails dry and fragile. Vitamin B deficiency can also lead to nail problems.
What nutrients are needed for nails?
Other necessary nutrients include essential fatty acids, zinc, proteins, hydrochloric acid, copper, calcium, iron, iodine, and selenium. If your diet doesn’t contain these ...
How to make your nails stronger?
Everyone knows that sea salt is rich in minerals which are great for the health of your nails. You can mix two tablespoons of sea salt with water in a bowl. Soak your nails in the bowl for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can add lemon essential oil, wheat germ oil or frankincense into the bowl. Rinse your nails with warm water, dry them and apply some lotion. Repeat this about three times a week. Soon you will find out that your nails are healthy and strong enough.
What is the best way to get brittle nails?
Leafy Greens. For brittle nails, vitamin deficiency may be the culprit. Then leafy greens are a must. Leafy greens are rich in vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, biotin, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and copper. There are so many recipes for salads, soups or dishes containing leafy greens. Eat them whenever you can and your nails will be thankful ...
How to get rid of brittle nails?
As it is a powerful antiseptic, you will get rid of your infection very soon. You should mix tea tree oil with one-half teaspoon of vitamin E. Apply this solution in every nail and leave it for about half an hour. Rinse the solution of your nails using warm water, dry them and apply some moisturizing lotion. You should repeat this for about a month, twice daily in order to have strong and healthy nails.
What is brittle nail?
Brittle Nails Vitamin Deficiency. Onychorrhexis is the medical term for brittle nails. It is a condition characterized by the separation and breakage of the protein layers that constitute the nails. About 20% of people all over the world face this problem. Women are more affected than men.
Why are my nails brittle?
Brittle nails are usually caused by injuries, infections, poisons, diseases or different kind of medications . However, vitamin deficiency can also cause brittle nails, leading to a breakage and peeling of the horizontal layers of the nail tips.
Vertical lines & horizontal lines on your lines: what do they mean?
Horizontal lines, from side to side, can appear due to nail trauma (picking the nails, getting the finger caught up in the door).
How to tell your vertical ridges on nails mean a vitamin deficiency?
Vertical ridges, while rarely so, can be a sign of a systemic condition or a vitamin deficiency. Here is how you can tell.
How to take care of vertical ridges on your nails
If you rule out serious ailments, here are some life hacks and health tips that can help diminish or stop your nails from ridging.
Why do my nails turn concave?
Sometimes, this can be caused by the overuse of cleaning agents or chemicals wearing the nail away. But more commonly, it’s the result of an iron deficiency. A simple blood test should determine if you’re low in iron, which can be treated with a high strength supplement (ahem, our Iron 14mg as Citrate would do the trick).
How to improve nails with age?
Though this condition is usually a tell-tale sign of old age, it could also signal low levels of vitamin B12. To improve the appearance of your nails, replenish your hands with an age-related moisturiser . And to ‘up’ your natural stocks of vitamin B12, make sure you eat plenty of meat, fish, dairy and eggs, or take a quality vitamin B12 supplement.
Why do my nails split?
Split nails. Split nails occur when the nail bed becomes broken and separated, which can be unsightly and inconvenient (especial ly when it keeps catching on your clothes – argh!) Typically, this problem is caused by mechanical or chemical damage to the nail root .
Why are my toenails brittle?
Brittle nails tend to be fragmented at the edges, crumbly, and have a yellowish tinge. If it’s just your fingernails that are affected, then this brittleness could stem from something external like harsh cleaning agents. However, if your toenails are also brittle, then you could have a nail infection.
What to do if you have a white spot on your fingernail?
So, you’ll be glad to hear there’s no need to down pints of milk at the first glimpse of a white spot on your fingertips! The solution: strengthen your nails to prevent future injury by using grapeseed oil or a vitamin-E based hand cream.
Why is my nail red?
If you’re a serial biter, picker or peeler, then any redness around your nail could simply result from inflammation . But on a more serious note, this could also signal an allergic reaction. Nail polish often contains harsh chemicals like camphor and formaldehyde, which can sometimes spark allergies.
Why do my nails turn yellow?
The most common cause of a yellowish hue is a fungal infection. As the infection worsens, your nails may thicken, crumble and even retract. Fortunately, this is a pretty easy condition to treat with over-the-counter anti-fungal medication.
How to get healthy nails?
To ensure healthy nails, eat a healthy diet, which includes consuming adequate vitamin B-12. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B-12 is 2.4 micrograms daily. You can obtain vitamin B-12 from animal products including fish, poultry, meat, eggs and dairy, or if you do not eat animal products, you can obtain vitamin B-12 from fortified breakfast cereals or a supplement. Breakfast cereals can be fortified with 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin B-12, while 3 ounces of trout or salmon provide 90 and 80 percent, respectively; 3 ounces of beef provides 23 percent; 1 cup of low-fat milk provides 18 percent; one egg provides 10 percent; and 3 ounces of roasted chicken breast provides 5 percent of the DV.
How long does it take for a B12 deficiency to develop?
Vitamin B-12 deficiency can take two to five years to fully develop because, although your body cannot synthesize vitamin B-12, it can store it in large amounts. Advertisement.
Why don't people get enough B12?
Vitamin B-12 deficiency is not very common in the United States, and people who don't get enough of the vitamin tend to be over age 50 because malabsorption issues are more common as you age. Other people who may have trouble getting enough of the vitamin are those who have digestive disorders, have had gastrointestinal surgery or who have ...
What percentage of B12 is in cereal?
Breakfast cereals can be fortified with 100 percent of the daily value of vitamin B-12, while 3 ounces of trout or salmon provide 90 and 80 percent, respectively; 3 ounces of beef provides 23 percent; 1 cup of low-fat milk provides 18 percent; one egg provides 10 percent; and 3 ounces of roasted chicken breast provides 5 percent of the DV. ...
Can vitamin B12 cause dark streaks?
According to researchers of an article published in "The Journal of Family Practice" in 2012, vitamin B-12 deficiency can manifest in fingernails as entirely blue nails, bluish-black pigment with wavy longitudinal dark streaks, brownish networklike pigmentation and longitudinal darkened streaks. The researchers also said these nail changes were reversible as they resolved with B-12 supplementation therapy.
Why are my nails brittle?
Other causes of brittle nails include: Psoriasis. Eczema. Excessive use of nail polish remover or cuticle solvents. Injury to the nail. Prolonged exposure to detergent, soap, and alcohol.
What does it mean when your nails are clubbing?
Nail clubbing may indicate other serious health ailments, such as lung and heart issues. So, if you notice these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Treating these health conditions will help in reducing the nail deformity.
Why do my nails look like they are a canvas?
Your fingernails are more than just a canvas for pretty nail art. The American Academy Of Dermatology says that your nails are the windows to your health. If there is something wrong with your body, it will show up in your nails. Their shape, texture, color, growth rate – everything is a sign that your body is screaming for nutrients.
What are the white spots on my nails?
Small white spots on your nail bed (punctate leukonychia). White longitudinal bands on your nails (longitudinal leukonychia). Horizontal lines or bands on your nail (transverse leukonychia). White skin patches under the nail (partial leukonychia).
How to tell if your nail is firmly attached to the nail bed?
How To Identify. The nail bed softens , and the nail is not firmly attached to the nail bed. The tip of the finger may seem bulging. The nails curve downward and look round at the edges or just like a spoon that’s turned upside-down.
Why do my nails change color?
Most of the changes in your nails and skin occur due to vitamin and nutrient deficiency. Here’s a list of symptoms that you may notice in your nails and what they mean for your health.
What is a spoon-like nail?
The nails are extremely thin and have a spoon-like shape. The outer edges of the nails turn up and come out of the nail beds. The nails may crack. The shape of the nail becomes such that it can hold a drop of water. Subscribe.
Why do my nails curve?
It can be triggered by low blood oxygen levels and may be a symptom of lung disease . Some medical conditions connected with nail clubbing include liver disease, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and AIDS.
Why are my fingernails curved?
1. Respiratory Health Issues. Down curved fingernails can suggest an issue with breathing health, and are often present in individuals who have medical conditions such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, asthma and lung cancer. Fingernails frequently curve downwards as an outcome of lack of oxygen. They may likewise be bluish or yellowish in color.
What does it mean when your nails curl outwards?
It is also a smart idea to call your doctor if your nails curl outwards, a condition called koilonychia or spoon nails.
What happens if you hurt your fingernails?
It is a great idea to keep the affected nail ( s) interrupted until the part of the nail that is injured has actually grown out. Once the injured part is grown out, your fingernails ought to when again grow typically .
What tests can you do if you have a nail problem?
A physical examination, chest x-ray and blood work are common tests that your doctor may carry out. If no problems are discovered, then there is no need for treatment. It is not unusual for these types of nail concerns to be present in individuals who do not have a health condition.
What is a spoon nail?
Spoon nails, likewise called koilonychia, are nails that appear to be scooped out and are soft . The scooped part of the nail is frequently huge enough to hold a drop of water. Spoon nails can be a symptom of hemochromatosis, which is a liver condition where too much iron from food is taken in by your body. Spoon nails might also appear with individuals who have hypothyroidism, nail-patella syndrome, or heart disease. If you operate in an environment where your nails are exposed to petroleum based solvents, you may also experience spoon nails.
What are the best supplements for nail health?
In general, protein, calcium, Vit, B and C have all been used to give better nail health. So-. You want to be examined- think of the nails as the windows to your body-. Some blood tests or even a chest Xray may be needed (esp if you smoke). After this- you can rest easy than nothing major is wrong.
Why do my fingernails curl?
But in general, if your fingernails are strong, but curling this is less of a concern than if they are weak and “bendy”. Specifically: Curling down is very much associated with respiratory problems- asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and the like.