Liam Carter
If your nails are sunken, it could be a sign of a number of health issues. Small dents or pits in your nails can be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia. Deep lines or grooves across your fingernails (known as Beau's lines) may be a sign of illness, but they should grow out. Fingernails curving over rounded fingertips (clubbing) can be a sign of many serious, long-term conditions, including long-term lung disease or heart disease, such as lung cancer, bronchiectasis, or endocarditis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Deep grooves or gaps in nails | Beau lines |
| Deep lines or grooves across fingernails | Beau's lines |
| Fingernails curving over rounded fingertips | Clubbing |
| Small dents or pits in nails | Nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia |
| Vertical ridges in nails | Age-related |
| Horizontal ridges in nails | Pause in nail growth |
| Change in nail colour, texture, shape or thickness | Underlying condition |
| Brittle nails | Ageing, long-term exposure to water or chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Beau's lines (deep lines or grooves across nails)
Beau's lines are deep lines or grooves that run across the nails. They are usually harmless and indicate a pause in nail growth. This could be caused by an injury, infection, or an underlying health condition. For example, Beau's lines can be caused by thyroid problems, eczema, alopecia, or psoriasis. Beau's lines may also appear when you are ill, but they should grow out. If you are concerned about Beau's lines or any other nail abnormalities, you can refer yourself to a podiatrist or see your GP.
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Nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia (small dents or pits in nails)
Small dents or pits in your nails can be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia. This is a condition known as onychomadesis, which is caused by something slowing or stopping your nails from growing for a while. When this happens, you may see a gap in your nail where it's missing.
Beau's lines are deep lines or grooves that run across your fingernails. These can happen when you're ill but should grow out. They are usually nothing to worry about. Vertical ridges in your nails may be age-related and are also usually harmless. Horizontal ridges, on the other hand, indicate a pause in nail growth and could be related to a health issue.
Fingernail or toenail abnormalities can be a sign of infection or injury, or sometimes an underlying condition. If your nails have changed in colour, texture, shape or thickness and you don't know why, see your GP. Brittle nails are often a sign of ageing or long-term exposure to water or chemicals, such as detergents and nail polish. Wearing gloves and regularly applying moisturising cream can help protect your nails.
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Clubbing (fingernails curving over rounded fingertips)
Fingernails curving over rounded fingertips, also known as clubbing, can be a sign of many serious, long-term conditions. Clubbing means the tissue beneath the nails thickens and the fingertips become rounded and bulbous. It is thought to be caused by increased blood flow to the fingertips and can run in families, being completely harmless. However, if it suddenly develops, it may be a sign of a number of possible medical conditions, including long-term lung disease or heart disease, such as lung cancer, bronchiectasis, or endocarditis, or inflammatory bowel disease, a long-term condition that causes inflammation of the gut.
If you are concerned about clubbing, you might be able to refer yourself directly to a podiatrist without seeing a GP. However, if your nails have changed in colour, texture, shape or thickness and you don't know why, you should see your GP.
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Brittle nails (caused by ageing, exposure to water or chemicals)
Brittle nails are often a sign of ageing, or long-term exposure to water or chemicals, such as detergents and nail polish. If you work with your hands and are regularly exposed to water, wearing gloves can help protect your nails. Applying moisturising cream to your fingers and nails can also help.
Brittle nails can also be caused by a fungal nail infection, which can be cleared by taking a course of antifungal tablets. They can also be caused by a skin condition called lichen planus, or an underactive or overactive thyroid, where the thyroid gland either doesn't produce enough hormones or produces too many.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, you should see your GP.
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Vertical ridges (age-related and harmless)
Vertical ridges in your nails may be age-related and are usually harmless. They are common and usually nothing to worry about. However, horizontal ridges, called Beau's lines, indicate a pause in nail growth that could be related to a health issue. Beau's lines are deep lines or grooves across your fingernails that may happen when you're ill but should grow out.
Small dents or pits in your nails can be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia. Fingernail or toenail abnormalities are often a sign of infection or injury. They can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. See your GP if your nails have changed in colour, texture, shape or thickness and you don't know why. Brittle nails are often just a sign of ageing, or long-term exposure to water or chemicals, such as detergents and nail polish. Wearing gloves will help protect your nails while doing work where your hands are exposed to water. Regularly applying moisturising cream to your fingers and nails will also help protect them.
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Frequently asked questions
Sunken nails could be a sign of nail psoriasis, eczema or alopecia. They can also be a sign of an underlying condition, such as a fungal nail infection, lichen planus, an underactive or overactive thyroid, or a long-term lung or heart disease.
Nail psoriasis can cause small dents or pits in your nails. It can also cause your nails to thicken, crumble, change colour and separate from the nail bed.
Eczema can cause your nails to become brittle, pitted, discoloured, and separated from the nail bed.
Alopecia can cause your nails to become pitted, discoloured, and ridged.
If you notice your nails are sunken, you should see your GP. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
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