Liam Carter
Just like hair, nails undergo changes as we age. These changes can be attributed to disease, internal bodily processes, nutritional deficiencies, or external factors such as exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet light. The growth rate of nails slows down, and they may become dull, brittle, and prone to breaking. Nails can also turn yellow or become discoloured, and fungal infections can cause thickening and further discolouration. The shape of the nail can also change, with a dramatic shift towards rounded nails, known as clubbing, indicating long-term oxygen deprivation and potential underlying health issues. Ingrown toenails may become more common, causing pain and difficulty in walking. As such, it is important to monitor any significant changes in nail shape, texture, thickness, or colour and consult a healthcare provider to determine if these changes are indicative of normal ageing or a medical condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Growth rate | Decreases with age |
| Texture | Becomes progressively more friable, resulting in fissuring, splitting, and longitudinal ridges |
| Thickness | May increase, decrease, or remain the same |
| Contour | Decrease in longitudinal curvature and increase in transverse convexity |
| Colour | May turn yellow, opaque, grey, or generally pale |
| Shape | May change dramatically, with very rounded nails being a sign of long-term oxygen deprivation |
| Ingrown toenails | More common with age |
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What You'll Learn
Nails may become dull and brittle
As we age, our nails commonly change and may become dull and brittle. This is due to a decrease in nail strength over time, which can cause nails to break more easily. Fingernails often become thinner and more brittle, while toenails tend to get thicker and harder.
There are several factors that can contribute to brittle nails. One factor is iron deficiency, which can lead to low red blood cell levels and is sometimes caused by anemia. Anemia occurs when the body does not produce enough hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Additionally, thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism, can affect the body's absorption of minerals and cause nails to split away from their beds.
Frequent hand washing and sanitizing can also lead to brittle nails as they cause nails to dry out. This is especially true for longer nails, which are more likely to experience splitting, cracking, and breaking. Repeated wetting and drying of the nails can further worsen the problem. Prolonged exposure to water and sanitizers is more likely to occur as we age since our nails grow slower and are exposed to these elements for longer periods.
Certain underlying health conditions can also contribute to brittle nails. For example, Raynaud's syndrome, which is characterised by circulation problems in the extremities, can affect nail health and cause brittle nails. Additionally, fungal infections can cause nails to become thicker and turn yellow, in addition to cracking.
While some nail changes are a natural part of aging, it is important to monitor for significant changes in texture, thickness, colour, or shape, as these may indicate an underlying medical condition. Proper nail care, including the use of moisturizers and nail conditioners, can help reduce the risk of brittle nails and maintain nail health.
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They may thicken or thin
As you age, your nails may change in appearance and texture. These changes can happen naturally, or they may be a sign of a medical condition. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice significant changes in the texture, thickness, colour, or shape of your nails.
Nails may thicken or thin with age. Toenails, in particular, may become hard and thick. This thickening can be caused by fungal infections, which are common in older people. Toenails are especially vulnerable to fungus as shoes provide a warm, moist environment for it to grow. Fungal infections can also cause discolouration, such as yellowing or grey, pale, or opaque nails.
In some cases, nails may become thinner with age. This can be due to a decrease in the longitudinal curvature and an increase in the transverse convexity of the nail plate, which is a characteristic change in older adults. Nails may also become brittle and prone to breaking. This can be worsened by repeated wetting and drying or exposure to harsh chemicals or cosmetics.
Other changes that may occur include a slowing of the growth rate, changes in colour, and the development of lengthwise ridges. These changes can be influenced by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, diseases, internal processes in the body, and external factors such as long-term exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet light.
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Nails may become discoloured
As the body ages, the nails may exhibit changes in growth rate, texture, thickness, shape, and colour. Nails may become discoloured due to various factors, including:
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a common cause of nail discolouration, affecting around 5.5% of people globally. Toenails are particularly susceptible due to the warm and moist environment created by shoes. Fungal infections can lead to nail thickening and discolouration, with colours ranging from yellow to grey or black.
Medications and Cosmetics
Certain medications, such as those used for chemotherapy, and cosmetic products like nail polish, can also contribute to nail discolouration. In some cases, the discolouration may be a result of staining from nail polish penetrating deep into the keratin layers of the nail.
Injuries and Trauma
Injuries to the nails, such as stubbing your toe or wearing tight shoes, can cause subungual hematoma, leading to discolouration. This typically presents as a red area that may eventually turn purple, brown, or black due to blood collecting under the nail. Additionally, trauma to the nails, such as nail-biting or frequent nail clipping, can stimulate circulation and potentially contribute to nail discolouration.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Nail discolouration can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions. For example, yellow nail syndrome is associated with breathing problems and swelling in the legs, and it may be a sign of lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis. Dark streaks or ridges on the nails, known as longitudinal melanonychia, can be a sign of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Other conditions, such as iron deficiency, kidney disease, and nutritional deficiencies, can also lead to nail discolouration.
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Growth rate slows down
The growth rate of nails slows down as we age. Starting from around the age of 20 or 25, the growth rate of nails decreases by about 0.5% per year. The average growth rate of fingernails is around 3 mm per month, while toenails grow at an average rate of 1 mm per month. Toenails grow about one-third to one-half as quickly as fingernails.
The rate of nail growth is influenced by various factors. For example, the nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster due to more frequent use, which increases the risk of trauma and stimulates nail growth. Similarly, nail growth can be accelerated by nail biting or frequent nail clipping, as these actions cause minor trauma to the nail.
As we age, our nails not only grow more slowly but may also undergo changes in texture, thickness, contour, surface, and colour. Nails can become dull, brittle, and prone to breaking. They may turn yellow or become discoloured, turning slightly grey, generally pale, or opaque. Toenails, in particular, may become hard and thick, and ingrown toenails may be more common.
Some changes in nail growth and appearance can be indicative of underlying health issues. For instance, dark stripes or ridges along the length of the nail, known as "longitudinal melanonychia," can be related to iron deficiency, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies. Clubbing, a dramatic shape change resulting in very rounded nails, is a sign of long-term oxygen deprivation and can be associated with kidney, liver, or endocrine disorders. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice significant or sudden changes in your nails.
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Changes in nail shape can indicate health issues
Changes in nail shape can be harmless, but they can also indicate a more serious underlying health problem. It is important to seek medical help if you notice any significant changes in the texture, thickness, colour, or shape of your nails.
One example of a change in nail shape is "clubbing", where nails thicken and curve around the fingertips. This process generally takes years, and can be the result of low oxygen in the blood. Clubbing is associated with a variety of diseases, including kidney, liver, and endocrine disorders.
Another example is "koilonychia", where fingernails have raised ridges and scoop outward, resembling spoons. Koilonychia can be a sign of iron deficiency.
"Beau's lines", which are depressions that run across the fingernail, can also indicate malnourishment or diseases that cause a high fever, such as measles, mumps, and scarlet fever.
In some cases, nail abnormalities can be caused by injuries, infections, or medications. For example, "onycholysis", or nail lifting, can be due to infection, trauma, or products used on the nails. "Pitting" or small dents in the nail can be a sign of psoriasis or other systemic diseases.
While nail changes can sometimes be harmless, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider to determine if the changes are caused by an underlying problem or are a normal part of the ageing process.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the shape of nails can change as you grow older. This is due to a variety of factors, including disease, internal bodily processes, nutritional deficiencies, and external factors like exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet light.
The exact mechanisms behind age-related nail changes are not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that changes in nail shape may be related to dysfunctional blood circulation in the distal extremities or the effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Yes, changes in nail shape can be indicative of underlying health issues. For example, a dramatic shape change with very rounded nails is known as "clubbing," which is a sign of long-term oxygen deprivation and can be associated with kidney, liver, or endocrine disorders.
In addition to shape changes, other nail alterations that may signal potential health issues include discoloration, pits, ridges, lines, and alterations in thickness, contour, surface, and growth rate. These changes can be indicative of nutritional deficiencies, infections, trauma, or other problems, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice any significant or persistent changes in your nails.
