Isla Bennett
Healthy nails are typically slightly pink, shiny, and 0.5 mm thick. However, changes in the appearance or texture of nails can indicate underlying health issues. For example, tiny indentations in the nails may be related to psoriasis, which also causes dry, scaly skin patches, or alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Horizontal ridges on the nails, known as Beau's lines, can indicate a pause in nail growth and may be a sign of vitamin deficiencies or diabetes. On the other hand, vertical ridges are usually age-related and harmless. While nail health can provide some insights into overall health, including potential hair loss, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive understanding of any health concerns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Slightly pink, white at the ends |
| Thickness | 0.5 mm |
| Texture | Smooth, without any horizontal ridges or pits |
| Shape | Not "scooped out" like a spoon |
| Supplements | Collagen, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, iron, copper, biotin |
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What You'll Learn
- Biotin supplements can improve brittle nails and hair loss
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can cause changes in the nails
- Horizontal ridges in the nails could be a sign of vitamin deficiencies
- Vertical ridges in the nails are usually harmless
- Tiny indentations in the nails may be related to alopecia areata
Biotin supplements can improve brittle nails and hair loss
Healthy nails are slightly pink, shiny, and 0.5 mm thick. Changes in the appearance or texture of your nails, such as dryness, brittleness, or horizontal ridges, could be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, or external factors like harsh chemicals or overly wet or dry nails.
Biotin, a B7 vitamin found naturally in cooked eggs, salmon, avocado, pork, sweet potatoes, and seeds, is often touted as a solution to hair loss and weak nails. While it is uncommon to have a biotin deficiency, some research has shown that biotin supplements can improve brittle nails and hair loss in individuals with a biotin deficiency. For example, one study found that hair regrowth occurred in an infant with a biotin deficiency after two months of biotin supplementation. Another study found that three cases of brittle nail syndrome treated with biotin showed improvement in nail strength and growth with daily doses of 2,500 or 3,000 μg of biotin.
However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support the idea that biotin supplementation improves hair or nail growth in individuals without a biotin deficiency. Most people get an adequate amount of biotin through their diet alone. Additionally, high doses of biotin can interfere with certain medications and laboratory tests. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your regimen.
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Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can cause changes in the nails
Eczema on the nails can cause discoloration, grooving, pitting, and other problems. It usually occurs in people who have eczema elsewhere on the body. It can also cause crumbling nails. Both conditions can cause pitting in the nails, but nail psoriasis also causes lifting and white discoloration in the nails.
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Horizontal ridges in the nails could be a sign of vitamin deficiencies
Healthy nails are slightly pink, shiny, and 0.5 mm thick. However, changes in appearance or texture might suggest something else. For example, skin-care conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can cause changes in the nails, such as pitting.
Horizontal ridges in the nails, called Beau's lines, indicate a pause in nail growth that could be related to a health issue. One of the key vitamins associated with nail health is biotin, also known as vitamin B7. Biotin deficiency may lead to nail abnormalities, including ridges. Zinc deficiency can also cause Beau's lines, along with hair loss and delayed wound healing.
It is important to note that not all nail ridges are directly linked to vitamin deficiencies. Other causes, such as ageing, trauma, skin diseases, or systemic conditions, can also contribute to the appearance of ridges. If you notice horizontal lines, it is recommended that you talk with a healthcare professional.
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Vertical ridges in the nails are usually harmless
Healthy nails are slightly pink, shiny, and 0.5 mm thick. However, changes in appearance or texture might suggest something else. For example, skin-care conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can cause changes in the nails, such as pitting. Vitamin deficiencies can also cause dry, brittle nails or horizontal ridges.
Horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, indicate a pause in nail growth and could be related to a health issue. They are often deeper than vertical ridges and are linked to more serious health issues, such as severe infections, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies.
While vertical ridges are usually harmless, it is important to pay attention to any changes in the nails as they might be the first signs of a serious medical problem. If you are concerned about any changes in your nails, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
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Tiny indentations in the nails may be related to alopecia areata
Healthy nails are slightly pink, shiny, and 0.5 mm thick. Changes in the appearance or texture of your nails could be a sign of an underlying health issue. For example, skin-care conditions such as psoriasis and eczema can cause pitting in the nails. Vitamin deficiencies can also cause dry, brittle nails or horizontal ridges.
Tiny indentations in the nails, also known as nail pits, may be related to alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. Alopecia areata is not the only condition associated with nail pits; they may also be caused by psoriasis, which also causes dry, scaly skin patches. If you notice tiny indentations in your nails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Nail health is often linked to hair health, and vitamin deficiencies can affect both. Biotin, a B7 vitamin found naturally in cooked eggs, salmon, avocado, pork, sweet potatoes, and seeds, is commonly recommended for hair loss or weak nails. Research has shown that biotin supplements can improve brittle nails. Other supplements linked to nail health include collagen, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, iron, and copper.
In addition to vitamin deficiencies, external factors such as harsh chemicals, overly wet or dry nails, or physical stress on the nails can cause unhealthy changes. It is important to be mindful of these factors and take steps to protect your nail health.
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Frequently asked questions
Slightly pink, shiny, .5 mm–thick nails are a sign of good health. They should be pinkish underneath and white at the ends.
Unhealthy nails may have horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, which indicate a pause in nail growth that could be related to a health issue. They may also have tiny indentations, which could be related to psoriasis or alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.
Supplements linked to nail health include collagen, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, iron, and copper. The most popular supplement for nail health is biotin, a B7 vitamin found naturally in cooked eggs, salmon, avocado, pork, sweet potatoes, and seeds.
