Caleb Foster
Crooked or curved nail growth can be caused by a variety of factors, including previous nail-biting habits, the shape of the nail bed, and underlying health conditions. Curved nails can sometimes indicate an iron deficiency or health issues such as peripheral artery disease, eczema, psoriasis, or subungual melanoma. Changes in nail shape, thickness, or colour can signal underlying health issues, and a dermatologist should be consulted for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | The shape of the nail bed, nail matrix damage, nail injury, nail biting, fungal infection, eczema, psoriasis, iron deficiency, or other underlying health issues |
| Symptoms | Nails growing crooked, curved, or with sharp edges; nails feeling ugly; dents, ridges, or lines on nails; discolouration; thickening of tissue underneath the nail |
| Treatment | Filing the sides, cutting nails properly, antifungal medication, intravenous iron supplementation, or surgery |
| Prevention | Keeping nails short, avoiding nail biting, wearing gloves during damaging activities, trimming toenails straight across, treating underlying health issues |
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Nail biting
When you bite your nails, you risk developing hangnails, ingrown nails, and infections. Nibbling leaves cuticles and skin ragged, creating tiny fissures that allow germs to enter your body. This can lead to illnesses such as the common cold, salmonella, or stomach infections. Additionally, nail biting can cause dental issues like misaligned or chipped teeth.
If you want to break the habit, it's important to identify your triggers. Are you more likely to bite your nails when you're feeling anxious, bored, or hungry? Once you know your triggers, you can develop a plan and work towards small goals over time. For example, if you tend to bite your nails when you're anxious, finding healthier coping mechanisms, such as stress management techniques, can help reduce the urge to bite your nails.
There are also specific strategies you can use to make biting your nails less compelling. Keeping your nails trimmed short gives you less to bite when the urge strikes. You can also use bitter-tasting nail polish, which makes the taste of your nails unpleasant. Finding ways to occupy your mouth and hands can also help. Try chewing gum, drinking water, or taking up a hobby like drawing or needlework.
If you're struggling to break the habit on your own, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help address the psychological aspects of nail biting. These therapies can be combined with habit-reversal training if needed. Remember, changing any habit takes time and persistence, so don't be discouraged if you don't succeed right away.
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Health conditions
Crooked or curved nails that grow to the side can be caused by various factors, including nail biting, nail picking, or the shape of the nail bed. In some cases, curved nails can indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention. Here are some health conditions that may be associated with nails that grow on the side:
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: Curved or ingrown nails can sometimes be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. This condition can cause the nails to curve outward, away from the nail bed, resulting in a shape similar to a spoon. It is known as koilonychia or spoon nail. Treatment for this condition may involve addressing the iron deficiency through supplements or intravenous supplementation.
- Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common autoimmune disorder that can affect the nails. Up to 80% of people with psoriasis develop nail involvement, known as nail psoriasis. Nails with psoriasis may exhibit white lines, pitting, crumbling, thickening, and shallow or deep holes. Treatment for psoriasis typically focuses on suppressing the overactive immune system with medications.
- Fungal Infections: Curved nails can sometimes be caused by fungal infections, such as onycholysis (nail separation). Onycholysis causes the nail to peel away from the nail bed, and it may be accompanied by discoloration, dents, crumbling nails, and abnormal borders. Treatment for onycholysis involves addressing the fungal infection with oral or topical antifungal medications and promoting healthy nail growth.
- Subungual Melanoma: Subungual melanoma is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix. It requires immediate medical attention and surgical removal. Brown or black discoloration on the nail is a common sign of this condition, and any color change in a single nail warrants medical evaluation.
While nails that grow on the side may be harmless, it is important to monitor any changes and seek medical advice if you notice persistent or significant alterations in the appearance or texture of your nails, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
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Nail matrix damage
The nail matrix is where your fingernails and toenails are formed. It has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The former is responsible for about 90% of nail growth, while the latter keeps the nail attached to the underlying skin.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. For example, peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes reduced blood flow to the nail matrix, which slows down nail growth. Severe eczema can also affect the nail matrix and temporarily impede nail growth. Nail psoriasis can cause white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails.
Subungual melanoma, a type of skin cancer, affects the nail matrix and causes brown or black discoloration on the nail. Pterygium unguis is another condition that causes scarring that extends to the nail matrix, resulting in ridged nails.
Trauma to the nail matrix can cause nail growth to stop for up to three weeks. Deep cuts or trauma to the germinal matrix at the base of the nail can result in the nail never growing back. Ingrown nails can occur when nails are cut too short, or when there is trauma to the nail or tight shoes.
Minor damage to the nail matrix can cause temporary changes in the nail's appearance, such as thickening, ridging, discoloration, or a rough texture. In rare cases, severe trauma can lead to complete and permanent nail loss.
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Nail bed shape
The shape of your nail bed is largely determined by genetics, but factors like injury or certain health conditions can also influence it over time. The nail bed refers to the skin beneath your nail plate, and its shape can vary from person to person. Some people have a natural curve, known as a "C-curve," while others have flatter, straighter nail beds. Curved nail beds offer more strength and resistance to breakage due to their arched structure, similar to how an arch supports a building in architecture. On the other hand, straight nail beds provide a sleek, modern aesthetic and are generally easier to maintain.
It is important to note that you cannot change the shape or length of your nail beds, but you can experiment with different nail shapes. For example, if you have curved nail beds, you can choose nail shapes that complement the curve, such as almond or oval. It is crucial to work with a technician who understands how to balance the natural curve without exaggerating it. Additionally, regular moisturising is essential to prevent the nail from becoming too rigid, which can lead to ingrown nails or splitting.
For those with straight nail beds, regular buffing is recommended to stimulate blood flow and encourage healthy nail growth. While straight nail beds are often easier to maintain, they still require care. Rounded straight nails with gels or extensions may require more frequent visits to the technician to prevent lifting. Additionally, nail treatments may be necessary to prevent splitting at the edge where the nail tip grows out.
Regardless of the shape of your nail bed, hydration is critical to maintaining healthy nails. Nails, like tiny sponges, become flexible and resilient when well-hydrated but brittle and prone to breakage when dry. To keep your nails hydrated, apply a nourishing cuticle oil daily, massaging it into the nail bed and the surrounding skin. Additionally, use hand cream after washing your hands to lock in moisture, and wear gloves when using harsh chemicals to protect your nails.
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Iron deficiency
Koilonychia, or spoon nails, is a condition where nails are indented and concave, resembling a spoon. It is often a sign of iron deficiency, which is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Spoon nails can also be a symptom of iron-deficiency anaemia, a condition caused by a lack of red blood cells.
Treating iron deficiency can help nails recover their usual shape, but this process takes time. Fingernails can take around six months to regrow fully, while toenails may take up to 18 months. In addition to dietary changes, home nail care can also help improve the appearance of nails. This includes applying moisturisers or lotions to relieve dry skin and protect nails from external damage.
It is important to note that nail ridges can also be caused by other factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, zinc deficiency, or external trauma to the nail. If you notice any nail abnormalities, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Curved nails can be hereditary or caused by an underlying health condition. If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails, consult a dermatologist.
Curved nails can be caused by an iron deficiency, peripheral artery disease, severe eczema, psoriasis, or subungual melanoma.
Treatment for curved nails depends on the underlying cause. If your nails are curved due to an iron deficiency, try eating more iron-rich foods or taking supplements. For peripheral artery disease, severe eczema, or psoriasis, consult a doctor for medication or treatment options. If you have subungual melanoma, surgery is usually required to remove the affected area.
Keeping your nails trimmed short and avoiding nail-biting can help prevent curved nails. Be gentle when cleaning underneath your nails and avoid using harsh chemicals or products that can irritate your nails or the surrounding skin.
