People are warning one individual that the ‘waves’ and ‘ridges’ in her ‘growing bent’ nail may be cause for concern. Those who have experienced similar, plus experts warn she may have an unknown health issue
A woman has been warned that ridges in her nail could be a sign of a health problem after she showed them off online.
The concerned individual explained that her left thumb nail “grows bent” and is ribbed, only in the centre. It has “looked bumpy” for years, and she cannot understand why it is just on one nail, she wrote on Reddit recently.
“It’s been like this for years but I can’t remember if it’s always been like this or if it used to be fine,” she said. After noticing her nail was green and yellow in colour, she visited the doctor who reportedly scraped it with a scalpel and informed her it was a fungus issue. She claims she was given anti-fungal cream but “never followed through with applying it”. While the colour has mostly cleared up, her nail remains covered in ridges – and she cannot work out why.
She added: “It’s ribbed only in the centre, all my other nails are fine, it grows more bent than other nails and sometimes will look even more bumpy that this. It’s been like this for years.”
People who have experienced similar nail issues rushed to shared their advice. One individual said: “They are called Beau’s lines. Damage at the nail matrix. Could be a sign of illness or more than likely trauma. Can take years to grow out. I have them because of my eczema.”
“My nails do this because I have psoriasis, it’s definitely worth talking to your doctor about,” commented another.
One other shared: “Pick my cuticles – anxiety sucks – and have these ridges on my thumb nails too. These comments are the first time I’m learning that the ridges are caused by trauma to the cuticle.”
One other added: “Same thing happened to my nail after it got smashed. The nail fell off slowly and grew back wavy.” Another individual shared: “My dad used to bite his nails as low as possible until they bled, he doesn’t anymore but all of his nails look like this. He thinks it’s because he used to work on cars a lot but I would assume the biting did more damage.”
What the experts say
The NHS says it is normal for nails to become thicker or break more easily as we age, or change during pregnancy – becoming harder, softer or more brittle. Those who have suffered an injury may notice their nail change colour, become loose and eventually fall off.
It is advised that you see your GP if a nail has changed shape, changed colour or fallen off and you do not know why, or the skin around your nails has become sore, red, swollen and warm (paronychia), which can be a sign of an infection or ingrown toenail. Nail problems can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious conditions such as psoriasis, anaemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, or heart, lung, or liver disease.
Dr Ross Perry of skin clinic chain Cosmedics previously told the Daily Star that vertical ridges could be cause for concern; they can even indicate a vitamin deficiency or dehydration or as a result of a skin condition. He said: “Nutritional factors such as deficiencies in vitamins such as Vitamin A, or if your body is low in protein or calcium then you may notice ridges. Severe iron deficiencies could also create ridges and other changes to the nails.”
The expert added said severe, deep ridges are rare but could be a sign of an organ disease and medical tests would be needed. The expert also revealed how trauma to the nails can also cause defects such as ridges.
If you are concerned about your nails, visit your GP for advice. You can also get plenty of handy information on the NHS website.
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