Isla Bennett
Changes in the shape, texture, or colour of your nails can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. Curved or ingrown nails, for example, could be a sign of iron deficiency or a chronic condition such as psoriasis. In some cases, downward-growing nails, also known as koilonychia or spoon nails, may be harmless and resolve without treatment. However, if left untreated, ingrown nails can increase the risk of infection. It is important to consult a doctor or dermatologist if you notice persistent changes in your nails, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, as they can advise on the best course of treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Curved or ingrown nails | Can indicate an underlying health condition such as iron deficiency anemia or psoriasis |
| Koilonychia (spoon nails) | Nails become soft and curved, allowing them to hold a droplet of water; can be caused by iron deficiency or living at high altitudes |
| Nail-patella syndrome | Problems with nails, kneecaps, hip bones, and elbows; linked to low blood supply to extremities |
| Melanoma | Dark streak on the nail, requiring a skin cancer check by a dermatologist |
| Onycholysis | Nail lifts up and is no longer attached, often caused by injury from cleaning under nails with a sharp object |
| Paronychia | Infection around the nail causing redness, swelling, and pain; early treatment includes soaks and antibiotics |
| Yellow nail syndrome | Nails turn yellow, thicken, and stop growing, possibly indicating lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis |
| Beau lines | Deep grooves or gaps in the nails indicating a previous interruption in nail growth |
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What You'll Learn
Consult a doctor or dermatologist
If you notice changes to your nails, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor or dermatologist. While some nail changes are harmless, they can also indicate a more serious underlying condition.
When to Consult a Doctor or Dermatologist
If you notice any of the following changes to your nails, it's time to see a doctor or dermatologist:
- Dark streaks on your nails could be a sign of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
- Redness and swelling around a nail could indicate an infection.
- If your nail starts to lift up and you see white discoloration, this could be onycholysis, and a dermatologist can help treat any underlying infection and give you tips to help the new nail grow out normally.
- Deep horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can indicate serious conditions such as acute kidney disease or malnutrition.
- Vertical ridges are often a sign of aging, while horizontal ridges can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies or nail trauma.
- Curved nails, known as clubbing, can be a harmless trait that runs in families, but they can also indicate a disease, especially if they develop later in life. Fingertips may swell, and nails may feel spongy.
- Spoon-shaped nails, or koilonychia, can indicate iron-deficiency anemia.
- Thick, overgrown nails, or onychogryphosis, may be caused by underlying diseases such as psoriasis, ichthyosis, or circulation problems.
What to Expect from a Doctor or Dermatologist Visit
When you consult a doctor or dermatologist about changes to your nails, they will examine your nails and ask about any other symptoms you may be experiencing. They may order urine and blood tests if they suspect underlying conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, or nutritional deficiencies. If the cause of the nail changes is unclear, a dermatologist may take nail clippings for lab analysis to check for signs of infection. Treatment will focus on addressing the underlying cause of the nail changes. For example, if you have Beau's lines due to diabetes, managing your blood sugar may reduce the horizontal ridges on your nails.
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Take iron supplements
Curved or ingrown nails can sometimes indicate an iron deficiency, such as iron-deficiency anaemia. This can cause a condition known as "spoon nails", where the nails become indented and curved downward, taking on the appearance of a small bowl or spoon.
Iron is needed to provide your cells with adequate oxygen, which is necessary for healthy nails. A deficiency in iron can affect the shape and appearance of your nails. If you are experiencing iron-deficiency anaemia, your physician may recommend taking iron supplements.
Before taking any supplements, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure they are right for you. They can advise on the correct dosage and any potential side effects. Additionally, it is worth noting that it may take 4-6 months before seeing any results from taking iron supplements, as this is the average length of time it takes to grow a new nail.
To improve iron absorption, you can increase your intake of vitamin A and vitamin C. Iron-rich foods include red meat, seafood, beans, and leafy green vegetables.
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Get a manicure
Getting a manicure is a great way to improve the appearance of your nails, but it can also help strengthen weak nails and promote healthy nail growth. Manicures are not just a cosmetic treatment; they can also provide a much-needed boost to the health of your nails.
If you're experiencing issues with downward-growing nails, it may be beneficial to book an appointment with a reputable nail technician or manicurist. They can advise on the best course of action to correct and improve the condition of your nails. A manicure will usually involve trimming, filing, and shaping the nails, which can help to address the issue of downward-growing nails.
It is important to note that taking a break from manicures and nail polish can also be beneficial for nail health. Allowing your nails to breathe and grow out naturally for three to four weeks can help strengthen them. This gives your nails a chance to recover from any damage caused by previous manicures or external factors.
When you return to the salon, consider opting for a gentle and nourishing manicure treatment. For example, a dip powder manicure can provide a natural look while strengthening your nails. This technique involves layering a base coat and powder, creating a durable and long-lasting manicure.
Remember, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional manicurist to determine the best approach for your specific nail concerns. They can provide personalized advice and treatments to help correct downward-growing nails and improve the overall health and appearance of your nails.
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Treat underlying health conditions
While downward-growing nails, or "clubbing", can sometimes be a harmless trait that runs in families, it can also indicate an underlying health condition. Curved nails can be a symptom of several health issues, including iron deficiency anaemia, psoriasis, and hemochromatosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet.
If you notice your nails starting to curve downward, it is important to consult a dermatologist or another healthcare professional. They can help diagnose any underlying health conditions and recommend appropriate treatment. For example, if iron deficiency is the cause, intravenous iron supplementation may be recommended. Dietary changes may also help manage iron levels and prevent toxicity.
In some cases, curved nails may be caused by a fungal infection, which can be treated with soaks and antibiotics if caught early. However, if an open sore forms, more extensive treatment may be necessary. Additionally, curved nails can be a symptom of more serious conditions such as lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or even skin cancer, known as acral lentiginous melanoma. Early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions are crucial for the best outcomes.
Beyond iron deficiency, other underlying health conditions that can contribute to curved nails include lupus, an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and pain in any area of the body, and Raynaud's, a rare disorder affecting the arteries and causing them to narrow and block blood flow to the fingers or toes. Treatment for Raynaud's typically involves managing stress and, in rare cases, surgery, as there is currently no cure.
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Avoid ill-fitting shoes
Ill-fitting shoes are a common problem, with only 28-37% of people wearing shoes of the correct length and width. This can have serious consequences for your health and comfort. To avoid these issues, it is important to take the time to find shoes that fit properly and are comfortable.
When shopping for shoes, it is recommended to try them on in the late afternoon as your feet tend to be slightly larger at the end of the day due to swelling. This will give you a better sense of how well the shoes will fit throughout the day. It is also a good idea to walk around the store to get a feel for the comfort and roominess of the shoes. Check that you have enough wiggle room for your toes and that the shoes have a fastening that allows for adjustments. Look for shoes with cushioning in the insoles to provide support for your heels and the balls of your feet.
The shape of the shoe is also important. It should bend at the toe box, not the arch, and have a stable shank for better support. The heel counter should be stable and sit higher on the heel. Keep in mind that shoe sizes can vary between brands, so always try them on before buying.
By wearing properly fitting shoes, you can help prevent foot pain, corns, callouses, and deformities such as hammertoe. Ill-fitting shoes can also lead to more serious issues such as ingrown toenails, which can become infected, and can even contribute to back problems and reduced mobility. Therefore, taking the time to find shoes that fit well and are comfortable is crucial for maintaining good foot health and overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Downward-growing nails, also known as koilonychia, can be caused by several factors, including iron deficiency, low blood supply to the extremities, and Raynaud's disease. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying health condition such as iron-deficiency anemia or psoriasis.
If you suspect that your nail changes are due to iron deficiency, it is recommended that you consult a doctor. A healthcare professional may advise you to take iron supplements or make dietary changes to increase your iron intake.
In addition to the shape of your nails, other symptoms such as nail discolouration, thickening, pits or deep grooves, and nail lifting can indicate a more serious condition. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for further evaluation.
While addressing the underlying cause is important, you can also try getting a manicure to keep your nails clean, trimmed, and filed. However, it is recommended to avoid nail polish and remover until your nails have returned to normal.
You can start by consulting a board-certified dermatologist, who specializes in skin, hair, and nail conditions. They can examine your nails, provide a diagnosis, and recommend further treatment options if needed.
