Nail Changes

Old age, mineral and vitamin deficiencies, and diseases caused by bacteria and fungus, can all cause our fingernails and toenails to change in appearance and texture.

Normally, old age causes nails to grow dull and brittle and change color from translucent to yellow or opaque. Fingernail tips may fragment and toenails may get harder and become ingrown. Ridges may also appear.

However, in younger people, those same changes can be signs of nutritional deficiencies and certain ailments.

For example, nails may fragment and split as a result of injury, anxiety, trauma, excessive application of nail polishes, or skin diseases such as psoriasis. Fungal and bacterial infections and viral warts can cause changes in the color, texture and shape of nails. Nail changes may also reflect serious ailments such as cancer and diseases of the kidney, liver and thyroid, as well as disorders affecting the amount of the oxygen in the blood. Red streaks on the nail, known as a splinter hemorrhage, are indicative of an infection, often around the heart valve.

Finally, a deficiency of vitamin B12 and a general state of malnutrition can cause brittle and lackluster nails. But overdosing on vitamins and minerals can also be a problem. Excessive consumption of selenium can cause nail changes as well.

Resources:

Learn more about nail abnormalities from the National Institutes of Health, including common causes and treatments.

Read up on other common nail problems and ingrown toenails.

Ever notice white spots on your fingernails, and wonder what they are?

November 1, 2003