Sophia Delgado
Rough nails are often a sign of unhealthy nails. Healthy nails are typically smooth and free from discolouration. Rough nails can be a sign of vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, or a fungal infection. In some cases, rough nails can be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Rough, splitting, brittle |
| Colour | Yellowish hue |
| Cause | Repeated wetting and drying of fingernails |
| Cause | Hypothyroidism |
| Cause | Iron deficiency |
| Cause | Ageing |
| Cause | Improper nail care |
| Cause | Nail trauma |
| Cause | Vitamin deficiencies (e.g. zinc, vitamins A, C, D, biotin) |
| Cause | Malnutrition |
| Cause | Serious nail injury |
| Cause | Psoriasis |
| Cause | Inflammatory arthritis |
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Brittle nails
Healthy nails are considered to be smooth with no discolouration. However, rough, splitting nails that crack easily are one of the most commonly reported nail problems. This condition is called onychoschizia and is usually caused by repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. In some cases, it might also be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
If your brittle nails are not caused by aging, they may be a sign of other medical disorders and should be diagnosed by a medical professional. For example, certain nutritional deficiencies can affect your nails. Iron deficiency may cause vertical ridges in your nails, while horizontal ridges can point to issues like malnutrition, serious nail injury, or Beau's lines. Beau's lines are deep horizontal ridges that often appear in people who have undergone chemotherapy.
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Vertical ridges
Rough nails can be a sign of repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. This is called onychoschizia and can cause nails to become brittle and split. In some cases, it can be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
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Horizontal ridges
Healthy nails are considered to be smooth with no discolouration. However, rough nails can be a sign of an underlying condition.
If you are experiencing horizontal ridges, it is important to consult a medical professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. In the meantime, you can try applying lotions that contain alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin to help improve the texture of your nails.
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Iron deficiency
Healthy nails are considered to be smooth with no discolouration. However, rough, brittle nails that crack easily could be a sign of iron deficiency. Officially called onychoschizia, brittle nails are usually caused by repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. In some cases, they might also be caused by hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
According to 2022 research, ridges are usually due to ageing. But they can also be a sign of improper nail care, nail trauma, vitamin deficiencies, or even a more pressing medical condition. Certain nutritional deficiencies can affect your nails. Other vitamins that can contribute to the health of your nails include zinc and vitamins A, C, and D. According to 2018 research, biotin is also highly recommended to aid in nail health, but more research is still needed to understand the full extent of its benefits.
If you are concerned about the health of your nails, you should consult a medical professional.
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Thyroid disease
Healthy nails are considered to be smooth with no discolouration. However, rough, splitting nails that crack easily could be a sign of thyroid disease. This condition is called onychoschizia and is usually caused by repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. In some cases, it might also be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency.
An overactive thyroid can also cause nail changes, although this is less common. This condition is called hyperthyroidism and can cause symptoms such as weight loss, a rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. Again, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice.
While nail changes can be a sign of thyroid disease, they can also be caused by other factors, such as vitamin deficiencies, nail trauma, or improper nail care. If you are concerned about the health of your nails, it is always best to consult a doctor or dermatologist, who can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions.
There are also some things you can do to help improve the health of your nails. For example, wearing gloves while washing dishes or doing other water-heavy tasks can help reduce the repeated wetting and drying that can contribute to brittle nails. Applying lotions that contain alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin can also help to moisturise and strengthen your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Rough nails are usually a sign of aging, but they can also be caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails, or by vitamin deficiencies.
You can try applying lotions that contain alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin. You might also want to wear gloves while washing dishes or doing other water-heavy tasks.
Yes, in some cases, rough nails might be a sign of hypothyroidism or iron deficiency. Ridges in the nails can also be a sign of malnutrition, serious nail injury, or an underlying medical condition.
