Liam Carter
Crooked nail growth is a common issue that can occur due to various factors. While the specific cause of side nail growth is unknown, it is believed to be related to the shape of the nail bed. Several medical conditions can also cause nail abnormalities, including onycholysis, nail matrix injuries, eczema, psoriasis, and subungual melanoma. Additionally, certain habits such as nail-biting or using cuticle sticks can affect nail growth. Changes in nail colour, texture, or shape can indicate an underlying disease, and a dermatologist should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | The shape of the nail bed, injuries to the nail or nail matrix, or health conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or subungual melanoma |
| Symptoms | Crooked or curved nail growth, nail separation from the nail bed, discoloration, dents or pits, thick or crumbling nails, horizontal ridges |
| Treatment | Filing or trimming nails, cutting away separated nail, antifungal medication, avoiding nail biting and cuticle manipulation, seeking medical care for color changes or other concerning symptoms |
| Prevention | Keeping nails short, proper nail cutting techniques, managing health conditions that affect nails |
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Nail shape
The shape of your nails can vary depending on several factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. Here are some common nail shapes and their possible causes:
- Straight Nails: Having straight nails is considered the most common shape. This shape typically indicates that your nails are healthy and growing normally.
- Curved Nails: Naturally curved nails are common, and the direction of the curve can vary from person to person. In some cases, curved nails can be an indication of underlying health conditions, such as clubbing, which is characterized by a gradual downward curve in the nails.
- Spoon-Shaped Nails (Koilonychia): Spoon-shaped nails are characterized by a thin, concave shape that dips down in the middle. This shape can be associated with iron deficiency or anaemia.
- Washboard Nails (Onychotillomania): Washboard nails exhibit grooves and ridges along the center, resembling the texture of a washboard. This shape is often associated with the habit of picking at or pushing back the cuticles, also known as onychotillomania.
- Rippled Nails: Rippled or ridged nails can be an indication of several factors, including nutrient deficiencies, underlying health conditions, or certain medications. For example, Beau's lines are horizontal ridges that can be caused by severe illnesses or conditions like eczema.
- Side Nails: Some people naturally have nails that grow out to the side, which may be due to the shape of their nail beds. Minor variations in nail shape are normal, but if you are concerned about the appearance or functionality of your nails, it is best to consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist.
It is important to note that while some nail shapes may be genetically determined or related to lifestyle factors, others can indicate underlying health issues. Therefore, if you notice significant changes in your nail shape or colour, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Nail matrix damage
The nail matrix is the area where your fingernails and toenails start to grow. It is located at the base of the nail and creates new cells that allow your nail to grow. The nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix. The germinal matrix is under the base of the nail, while the sterile matrix lies underneath the nail and is responsible for keeping the nail attached to the underlying skin.
Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. For example, severe eczema can affect the nail matrix and temporarily hinder nail growth. Nail psoriasis can also cause white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails. Subungual melanoma, or nail matrix melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix and causes brown or black discoloration.
Trauma to the nail can cause nail cell production to stop for up to three weeks, and severe cases may result in long-term or permanent damage. After an injury, nails often show temporary changes during the healing process, such as bruising, ridges, or a rough surface. These changes typically resolve as the nail grows and new, healthy cells replace the damaged area. However, severe injuries involving the nail matrix may result in lasting changes, such as chronic thickening, uneven growth, or permanent nail loss.
In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of the nail may not grow back. Treatment can help, and with proper medical care, healthy nails can often grow back. It is important to seek help from a healthcare provider to determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
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Health conditions
Several health conditions can cause nails to grow out to the side or otherwise affect their growth and appearance.
Onycholysis
Onycholysis is a condition in which the nail separates from its nail bed, typically affecting only a single nail. It often occurs after an injury to the nail but can also be caused by fungi or other systemic diseases. While onycholysis usually isn't painful, the underlying cause may be irritating or painful. Treatment options include cutting away the separated nail, taking antifungal medications, or discontinuing the use of certain nail products.
Nail Matrix Damage
The nail matrix is the area where fingernails and toenails form. Injuries and certain health conditions can damage the nail matrix, leading to problems with nail growth. Severe eczema, for example, can affect the nail matrix and temporarily interfere with nail growth, resulting in Beau's lines, pitting, and texture or color changes.
Subungual Melanoma
Subungual melanoma, or nail matrix melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix. It typically presents as brown or black discoloration on the nail. Surgery is often required to remove the melanoma, and additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation may be necessary if the cancer has spread.
Nail Infections
Nail infections, such as paronychia, can cause redness, swelling, and pain around the nail. Bacterial infections can turn the nail greenish-black, and without treatment, they tend to worsen. Deep grooves or gaps that run the width of the nail can indicate a previous interruption in nail growth, which may be caused by infections or other factors.
Yellow Nail Syndrome
Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by nails that turn yellow, thicken, and seem to stop growing. It can be a sign of underlying health issues such as lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Other Conditions
Other health conditions that can affect nail growth and appearance include psoriasis, ichthyosis, circulation problems, and iron deficiency (which can lead to spoon-shaped nails). Any significant changes in the appearance or texture of nails should be monitored and discussed with a healthcare professional.
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Nail separation
Onycholysis, or nail separation, is a common nail disorder in which the nail plate separates from the nail bed. It typically affects one nail, but it can also affect multiple fingernails and/or toenails. The condition is more frequent in adult women but can occur in both sexes, all ages, and races.
Causes
The exact cause of onycholysis is often unknown, but it can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to various factors:
- Trauma or injury to the nail or nail matrix (the area where nails start to grow) is a common cause of onycholysis. This could be a single incident, such as stubbing a toe, or repetitive trauma, such as repeatedly tapping nails.
- Skin diseases, such as severe eczema, can affect the nail matrix and interfere with nail growth, leading to onycholysis.
- Nail infections, including fungal infections, can cause onycholysis.
- Psoriasis: Nail psoriasis can cause nail bed separation, along with other changes such as pitting and discoloration.
- Tumours or systemic events.
- Photo-onycholysis is caused by the ingestion of a photosensitiser, such as certain medications.
- Subungual melanoma: This is a type of skin cancer that affects the nail matrix. It is identified by brown or black discolouration of the nail.
Symptoms
The symptoms of onycholysis include:
- An irregular, sharply defined border between the pink portion of the nail and the white edge of the lifted, detached nail.
- The detached nail appears white and opaque compared to the normal nail, which looks transparent and pink.
- The nail surface may be normal or pitted, indented, or crumbly.
- Thickened skin may accumulate under the detached nail.
- Discolouration of the nail, which may appear grey, green, purple, white, or yellow.
- Subungual haemorrhage (bleeding under the nail).
- Onycholysis usually doesn't cause pain, but it may be painful if it's acute or inflammatory.
Treatment
There is no cure for onycholysis, and the detached portion of the nail will not reattach. Treatment aims to keep new nail growth attached to the nail bed. General measures to support nail health include:
- Clipping the affected portion of the nail as it grows out and keeping the nail short with regular trimming.
- Avoiding activities that can result in nail trauma or injury.
- Avoiding potential irritants, such as nail products, nail enamel, enamel remover, solvents, and detergents.
- Wearing gloves, including light cotton gloves under vinyl gloves for wet work.
Specific treatments depend on the underlying cause of onycholysis:
- Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal nail infections.
- Treatments for nail psoriasis include creams or medications.
- If onycholysis is due to an injury, the nail will eventually grow out, and no treatment is usually necessary.
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Nail bed shape
The shape of your nail bed is largely determined by genetics, but it can also be influenced by factors like injuries or certain health conditions. Curved nail beds, often referred to as "C-curve" beds, provide more strength and resistance to breakage due to their arched structure. This shape is desirable for those seeking longer-lasting manicures as it provides a strong foundation for nail treatments, polishes, gels, or extensions.
On the other hand, straight nail beds offer a modern, minimalist aesthetic that is easier to maintain and less prone to issues affecting curved nails. However, straight nail beds may require regular buffing to stimulate blood flow and encourage healthy nail growth.
Regardless of the shape, hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy nails. Applying nourishing cuticle oil daily, using hand cream, and wearing gloves while handling harsh chemicals can help keep nails hydrated and prevent brittleness.
It is important to note that while you can experiment with different nail shapes, the shape of your nail bed itself cannot be permanently altered without surgical intervention.
Additionally, while sideward nail growth may be influenced by the shape of the nail bed, it could also be a result of nail matrix damage or certain health conditions. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or a qualified nail technician for guidance on nail care and shaping.
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Frequently asked questions
The shape of your nail bed may be causing your nails to grow out to the sides. This could be due to the natural shape of your nail bed or as a result of an injury.
You can try filing down the sides of your nails. Over time, the skin may start to "envelope" and support the nail, reducing the side growth.
Yes, onycholysis is a condition where your nail separates from its nail bed, causing it to grow out to the side. This can be caused by injuries, fungal infections, or other health conditions.
If you notice any changes in the color, texture, or shape of your nails, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist. This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as nail matrix melanoma or paronychia.
